Dershowitz Asks Redgrave to Debate

Alan M Dershowitz, professor of Law, yesterday challenged actress and political activist Vanessa Redgrave to debate "anything, anywhere and anytime."

Dershowitz made the challenge, which the actress declined, at a Boston press conference called by Redgrave to announce her intention to sue the Boston Symphony Orchestra(BSO) for cancelling a contract for performances this spring

In an interview after the press conference Dershowitz, calling Redgrave a hypocrite that collaborates with murderers," said he challenged her to debate because he believes her statements and actions have been interpreted as heroic by college students.

"Vanessa Redgrave is not healthy for children and other human beings," Dershowitz said The actress has often been criticized for her vocal support of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

BSO Decision

During yesterday's press conference. Redgrave said the BSO's decision to cancel her $31,000 contract violated her "civil and constitutional liberties and rights."

Redgrave's lawyer, Elliot Hottman '51, said in an interview yesterday. "I would think that someone like Professor Dershowitz would be the first to speak for this case." He added "My perception is that Professor Dershowitz is anxious to link his name with Vanessa Redgrave's in the headlines."

Dershowitz said he supports Redgrave's right to perform with the BSO, but he added. "Not all victims of the First Amendment are heroes. "Dershowitz said that Redgrave is a strong advocate of censorship and blacklisting."

He said of Redgrave's refusal to debate, "If I had her views I wouldn't want to expose them to debate either."

Redgraves was in Boston for performances this weekend sponsored by the National Association of Arab American which co-sponsored the news conference.

The Arab American group is sponsoring the concerts in Boston Friday and Saturday in the wake of the BSO cancellation which apparently came after complaints about Redgrave's outspoken political views. The orchestra has declined comment on the cancellation and the law suit.