Sen. Gordon Smith backed away Thursday from statements attributed to him that he “singled out Corvallis and PSU as places where terrorists have raised money.”
Dozen of Portland State students, however, expressed anger over the remarks at a community forum Thursday evening called to address the allegations.
At the meeting, Portland State President Daniel O. Bernstine said that the university had no knowledge of any ongoing investigation into terrorist activity at PSU, but “if appropriate,” would cooperate with any investigation that might occur.
“The university does not support terrorist sponsored activities,” he said, adding, “Portland State University remains committed to having a respectful environment for all members of the community.” Bernstine also distributed a letter he received from Smith in a meeting earlier Thursday afternoon at Smith’s Portland office.
In Wednesday’s Oregonian, Smith was quoted as saying, “We have had in our state for some time a significant fund-raising apparatus for al-Qaida.”
The Oregonian later stated, “In answers to follow-up questions, Smith singled out Corvallis and PSU as places where terrorists have raised money.”
David Reinhard, associate editor of the Oregonian and a member of the editorial board to which Smith was speaking, stated, “Senator Smith was always responding to our questions. He was asked about PSU…were these the people involved in fund-raising.” According to Reinhard, Smith’s response was affirmative. Smith says he didn’t specify Portland State University.
In his letter, Smith, a Republican running for re-election this year, told a similar tale:
“In a Monday interview with the editorial board of The Oregonian, I was asked whether or not I had seen information that alleged some sort of loose connection between individuals who might have attended Portland State University and individuals who were supportive of terrorist organizations,” Smith wrote.
“I did not raise this issue, but when asked the question, I responded truthfully in saying that I had seen such public and unclassified information.”
On Thursday afternoon, Smith met with Bernstine; ASPSU president Mary Cunningham; Nohad Toulan, dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs; and others at his downtown Portland office to discuss the allegations and statements attributed to him.
According to Cunningham, Smith told the group that he never stated anything about Portland State or Corvallis.
“He was very apologetic and sorry that Portland State is going through this situation. I think he was heartfelt,” she said.
Approximately 45 students and PSU community members attended the meeting and had access to Smith’s letter to President Bernstine. Smith did not attend. Students remained angry and confused at what they deemed the “irresponsible” comments made by Smith, even after the letter was distributed.
Student senator and Chiron Studies Program Chair Mark Hinz said, “I’m personally not interested in the letter. I’m interested in an apology that is as public as the accusation was.”
Dimitris Desyllas, another student senator and editor of the Rearguard, also demanded a public apology. Desyllas also wanted the information Smith referred to in his letter. “Since they are public and unclassified, we want them,” he said.
Hinz said he and other organizers of Thursday’s meeting were invited to attend a private meeting with Smith before the community forum began, but declined. At the forum, Hinz and others criticized Smith for not coming to campus to hear student concerns.
Suzi Denight, Co-coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center, said that if Smith actually made the comments, he “may have attempted to raise his reelection banner on the backs of PSU students,” by creating the current controversy. “The American public,” she said, “needs to be weary of witch hunts and McCarthyism.”
University and city officials said they were unaware of any investigation of Portland State or Oregon State University. Sara Bott, communications director for Mayor Vera Katz, said that the mayor has no specific information about Smith’s comments, but that students “should feel assured that if there was any reason for concern, the Portland Police Bureau and the F.B.I. are working very closely to ensure everyone’s safety.