Tom Lewis, a significant financial contributor to Arizona State University (ASU), has withdrawn his nearly $400,000 annual donation following a dispute involving the director of his namesake center. The controversy stemmed from an event organized by Ann Atkinson, the former director of the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development, which featured conservative speakers Charlie Kirk, Dennis Prager, and economist Robert Kiyosaki.
Lewis expressed his disappointment with the university's response to the event, citing a letter signed by 39 honors college faculty members who labeled the speakers as "purveyors of hate." This incident, coupled with Atkinson's subsequent departure from the university, prompted Lewis to reconsider his support for ASU. He voiced his concerns on 'The Ingraham Angle,' criticizing what he perceives as growing intolerance towards conservative viewpoints on college campuses.
An exterior view of Wells Fargo Arena at ASU. (Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A long-time supporter of higher education, Lewis lamented the current climate at universities, describing it as a "not a pretty picture." He praised Atkinson's leadership and expressed his belief that the backlash against the event was unwarranted. An ASU spokesperson indicated that Atkinson's position will be eliminated but that she remains eligible for other roles within the university.
Lewis further argued that university faculty often wield excessive influence in the classroom and that some harbor radical viewpoints, stifling open dialogue and intellectual diversity. He also criticized the evolving definition of academic freedom, suggesting it has become a tool to silence dissenting opinions.
In response to the controversy, ASU provided a link to their official stance on free speech, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a tolerant environment for diverse perspectives. The statement acknowledges the potential for disagreement and debate within a university setting but underscores the importance of protecting free expression.
