Protest greets historian

In the end, the extra security provided by the University of Oregon for controversial British historian David Irving’s lecture Monday night proved unnecessary.

While Irving’s remarks questioning the Holocaust clearly angered many who attended his Pacifica Forum-sponsored talk in Erb Memorial Union’s Walnut Room, a demonstration outside the building that included about 50 sign-carrying protesters did not spark any disturbance that required police intervention.

Five uniformed campus security guards were on hand for the low-key event.

Irving, who has written several books on World War II and was jailed in Austria for once saying there were no gas chambers at Auschwitz, was called a “martyr for free speech” in an announcement posted on the Pacifica Forum’s Web site.

But some of those who partook in Monday’s protest had other words to describe Irving and his intentions.

“What he talks about is hatred, masked as free speech,” said John Aarons, a Eugene resident who along with his family waved signs during the demonstration and later listened to a portion of Irving’s lecture before leaving quietly.

“Is this really the best the Pacifica Forum can do in our community?” Aarons wondered.

Irving’s appearance followed other Pacifica Forum speakers who have presented controversial views on the Holocaust, Israel and the influence of Zionism.

Dawn Coslow, a regular attendee of forum events, accused protesters of trying to “inhibit dialogue” and “relying on what I know to be half-truths” to criticize Irving.

Two years ago, Irving served 10 months in an Austrian prison after pleading guilty to a charge of “trivializing, grossly playing down and denying the Holocaust” during a 1989 speech.

He served 10 months in prison for his statements, which are considered criminal in Austria.

Irving, 70, spoke for nearly 90 minutes Monday. About 100 people attended the lecture, including several who also partook in the demonstration.

Irving did not deny that many Jews died at Auschwitz, but he generally avoided using the word Holocaust.

Instead, he called the mass killings during World War II “the great Jewish tragedy.” He added that his research shows that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was not responsible for the events at Auschwitz.

“Hitler didn’t know what was going on, and was totally opposed to it,” Irving said.

Another demonstration attendee who listened to Irving speak was UO student body President Sam Dotters-Katz.

“The protection of free speech is important,” Dotters-Katz said. “But spreading seeds of hatred in this community is something we will not stand for. We’re here to say that what (Irving) stands for is not in line with the University of Oregon. Our official stance is this: David Irving, you are not welcome here.”

University officials charged the Pacifica Forum $291 to cover the cost of extra security for Irving’s lecture and the demonstration.

Register-Guard