Corey Lewandowski, University of Chicago

Summary

Corey Lewandowski was President Trump’s campaign manager during the 2016 presidential campaign. On February 15, 2017, Lewandowski was scheduled to speak at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics in an off-the-record, no-journalists-allowed session with students. The student newspaper questioned whether this was the proper forum for someone like Lewandowski.

Several student groups also vowed to protest Lewandowski’s appearance, saying in a letter that Lewandowski should never have been invited and that “[n]othing about a firm commitment to free expression obliges us to open our doors to (much less provide platforms for those who incite hatred and violence against refugees, immigrants, and minorities…” The university released a statement in response to the students’ letter, saying that “[w]ith any administration we would be remiss if we did not invite guests who could provide insights into the administration’s thinking and approach to governing.” Ultimately, around 150 people gathered near the center of the university’s campus to protest. Lewandowski’s appearance proceeded as scheduled.