Prominent conservative commentator Tucker Carlson recently revealed that he was prohibited from visiting his former school, St.
Georges School, and delivering a speech.
Carlson, a distinguished alumnus of the school, claimed that the administration denied him the opportunity to engage with the students due to his political views.
In a candid conversation, Carlson shared, I found, honestly in my exchanges with the administration at St. Georges, a total resistance to having anybody who they dont agree with even in the same world. Like Im not on your campus right now because they the campus that I went to, and donated to and sent my two children to because they wouldnt let me come.
The conservative commentator, known for his forthright views, expressed his disappointment at the school's decision. He stated, And why wouldnt they let me come? Well, of course, because they hate my politics. And my feeling was, well, you know, thats wrong. First of all, I wanna be there. I want to meet the kids. I wanna see the kids. And I feel it would be good for everyone to have this happen."
Carlson further clarified that he did not intend to impose his views on anyone. He suggested an open event where attendance would be voluntary. He said, Lets just have an event where everyone who wants to come can come. And people who dont want to come dont have to come. I dont think you again, I dont think you should force your views on anyone. I dont believe in that. I really dont believe in that. They did it to me at St. Georges and I didnt like it and I said so at the time.
Carlson recounted his attempts to communicate with the school's administration, particularly with the Headmaster, Michael C. Wirtz. He claimed that his calls were not returned promptly, and when they were, he was not given a clear answer about his proposed visit. He described the school's behavior as "hilarious" and "political."
And ultimately, the headmaster, who Mr. Wirtz, as he called himself to me uh, says, Well, were worried you would garnish national media attention, Carlson continued.
Carlson alleged that he received a call from a board member who told him that the students did not want him to visit and found him "embarrassing." He also claimed that he received another call raising safety concerns about his potential appearance on campus.
Then ultimately, two days ago, I get another call saying, We have a new reason you cant come, and the new reason is, its just not safe. And if you come on campus, people could be killed, Carlson alleged.
Carlson further claimed that the school's security officials were not armed, which he found "so nuts." He offered to bring his own armed security, but the school allegedly declined due to their anti-gun policy.
St. Georges School responded to Carlson's allegations with a memo obtained by the Daily Beast. The school confirmed that students had invited Carlson and that he had spoken on-campus before. The memo read, The students then shared the invitation with school leadership, leading to a discussion of potential ways forward One important concern was security, as Mr. Carlson travels with armed guards, and Rhode Island state law prohibits civilians from carrying firearms on a school campus.
The school decided that a virtual conversation was the best way to honor the invitation and ensure campus safety. The memo stated, [Carlson] agreed to the virtual event. Student attendance was strictly voluntary.
The memo also mentioned that faculty and staff attended the virtual event, which was "student-led." It added that Carlson agreed not to record the students due to many being underage, but alleged his apparent recording of the event from his studio violated that agreement and school policy.
We are disappointed that Mr. Carlson chose to record and share the Zoom discussion. The students deserved to know in advance if that was his plan. We also strongly disagree with his description of the discussions that led to the Zoom conversation as well as our openness to students hearing a wide range of views and perspectives, the memo concluded.
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