Thursday, October 4, 2001

Flag Burning Sets Off Controversy at Emory U. By THOMAS BARTLETT An Emory University student says he was assaulted early Saturday after he burned several computer printouts of an American flag during a campus radio show. Alexander Dreyer, a sophomore majoring in computer science, burned the flag printouts during a Friday-night radio show led by a fellow student, Kisha Hope. The program, Girls Wear Boxers Too, was broadcast on the university's student-run radio station. When he left the station, just after midnight, Mr. Dreyer said, he was assaulted by two students, one of whom held him while the other punched him in the face. The two students, whose names have not been released, fled the scene when the police arrived. Mr. Dreyer said in an e-mail interview that he was protesting "the limiting of civil liberties" following the recent terrorist attacks. "The scariest part of people's response to the tragedy of September 11 is the notion that it is now inappropriate to criticize the government," he said. Mr. Dreyer said he had received three death threats following the incident. Mr. Dreyer said he had had a confrontation with the same students earlier last week. He said he was burning an American flag outside the campus radio station on Thursday, when several people -- including the two who later allegedly assaulted him -- took the partially burned flag and a lighter from him. Mr. Dreyer now faces disciplinary action from the university for starting a fire inside a campus building, according to Nancy Seideman, a university spokeswoman. There were conflicting reports about whether Ms. Hope would be allowed to continue her show. The two students who allegedly assaulted Mr. Dreyer also face disciplinary action. Punishments could range from community service to expulsion. Ms. Seideman said the incident does not reflect the mood of the campus following the terrorist attacks. She said most students have been "peaceful, somber, and reflective." Easy-to-print version E-mail this article

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