Following a national uproar after the University of Michigan cancelled an on-campus screening of “American Sniper,” the school has changed its mind and will now allow the showing to go on as previously planned.
The university’s Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper released a statement early Thursday that called the cancellation a “mistake” and said the film will be screened Friday night.
“The initial decision to cancel the movie was not consistent with the high value the University of Michigan places on freedom of expression and our respect for the right of students to make their own choices in such matters,” Harper said, according to Fox News. “The movie will be shown at the originally scheduled time and location.”
Prior to the school’s official decision, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh declared on Twitter Wednesday night that he would show the movie to his players, saying he is “proud to be an American” and didn’t care if it might offend anyone. (RELATED: Michigan Football Coach To PC Police: The Team Will Watch ‘American Sniper’)
The “American Sniper” screening was cancelled on Tuesday due to some students claiming that the film’s subject, Navy Seal Chris Kyle, was a “racist” and “mass killer.” (RELATED: University Cancels ‘American Sniper’ Screening Because It’s ‘Racist,’ Kyle A ‘Mass Killer’)