Image Source Pink/Thinkstock(LOGAN, Utah) — An avowed feminist blogger openly critical of the portrayal of women in video games cancelled a speaking engagement at Utah State University Tuesday night because of the school’s policy that allows people with the proper permits to carry concealed firearms.
Anita Sarkeesian tweeted she feared for her safety after receiving “multiple specific threats made stating intent to kill me & feminists at USU.”
Although Sarkeesian says she’s received death threats before, she felt compelled to cancel her appearance because “police wouldn’t take steps to prevent concealed firearms at the event. Requested pat downs or metal detectors after mass shooting threat but because of Utah’s open carry laws police wouldn’t do firearm searches.”
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that an email sent to the USU threatened “the deadliest school shooting in American history” if Sarkeesian showed up.
On Wednesday, the school said it would have provided extra security personnel and not permitted backpacks inside the auditorium where Sarkeesian was scheduled to speak. However, a spokesperson added that it would not question her decision to back out.
Meanwhile, Sarkeesian said the incident would not discourage her from continuing to speak out. “The whole game industry must stand up against the harassment of women,” she argued.
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