Indiana State University disinvites Rich Lowry over false N-word claims

Indiana State University recently canceled an invitation to Rich Lowry, the editor-in-chief of National Review, for a scheduled speaking engagement on September 30. This decision was made following false reports that Lowry had used a racial slur during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show. The university cited concerns for campus and community safety as the reason for the cancellation, which was influenced by advice from public safety officials. The controversy arose from a video clip where Lowry appeared to stumble over his words while discussing Haitian migrants, leading some viewers to mistakenly believe he was using a racial slur. However, many others recognized that he simply misspoke and corrected himself during the interview. Despite this clarification, the narrative was perpetuated by various media outlets, including National Public Radio, which contributed to the misinformation surrounding the incident. In response to the cancellation, Lowry expressed his disappointment in an article for National Review, where he criticized the decision and the media's role in spreading false claims. He also mentioned that he had been disinvited from another event organized by the Badger Institute, a conservative think tank in Wisconsin, further highlighting the impact of the controversy on his speaking engagements. This incident raises important questions about the consequences of misinformation and the challenges faced by public figures in navigating public discourse, especially in a politically charged environment. The situation underscores the need for careful consideration of context and accuracy in media reporting.