Update: Malik Ali at the Antihill Pub?

A few days ago I posted regarding a photo of Amir Abdel Malik Ali, a notorious terrorist supporter, whose photo is featured at the UCI Anthill Pub.

For the sake of clarification, I would like to point out that I disagree with featuring an image of Malik Ali at the pub. The context of the picture is relatively unclear as it is featured among much more innocuous and positive aspects of student life. It did not seem appropriate to feature a hate-monger among photos of our athletes and dance teams.

However, I completely disagree that the pub management is antisemitic or anti-American. The pub management is entitled to make their own decision in this matter and they are willing to listen to anyone who is concerned about the photo. I feel that the owner is quite fair and is trying to figure out the best solution to this issue (whether it's leveling the photo with something else or putting up a disclaimer for the sake of clarity).

When I was a student at UC Irvine the Anthill Pub was the coolest place to go on campus to unwind. The last thing I'd ever want to see while I'm trying to hang out with friends is this regular speaker the Muslim Student Union at UCI hosts who speaks in support of Hamas and Hezbollah and calls for the annihilation of Israel and America.

After discussing this issue with the owner of the pub, I understand that the photos were selected by the New University (campus newspaper) staff. The pub management felt that the image was reflective of campus life and issues that have affected the campus community recently.

I believe in condemning that which is reprehensible. I don't agree with limiting free-speech. But a pub or a restaurant is a place to unwind and that is probably why several people had such a reaction to seeing a photo of Malik Ali mounted on a wall.

I hope that this clarifies my position on the matter. This issue, however, has occupied far too much of my time and I don't think it is particularly useful to spend anymore time debating this issue. I am not making any demands regarding the photo. I am merely expressing my position as someone who would normally frequent the Anthill Pub. The pub management at this point can make the decision with how they want to resolve this based on what they've heard.

There is a Facebook group where this issue is being discussed if anyone is interested in debating this further.

Posted in: Amir Abdel Malik Ali,Anthill Pub