6 days ago
LVA says controversial speaker banned from VFW and Sheraton
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A controversial speaker initially listed for the upcoming USS Liberty Veterans Association reunion in Norfolk has been banned from speaking at the event at the Sheraton, according to organizers.
John Dixon, media director for the Liberty Veterans Association, also confirmed the VFW's decision to remove Peters from a separate memorial service at the USS Liberty Monument, hosted by VFW Post 4809 in Norfolk June 8.
'As of right now, Stew Peters is banned,' Dixon said. 'That's all we can say. We don't know anything — the reasoning behind it. We don't know anything.'
The reunion, scheduled for June 6–9 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, will bring together survivors and supporters of the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy ship attacked during the 1967 Six-Day War.
Dr. Kenny T. Fountain, a professor and director of Writing & Rhetoric at the University of Virginia, said understanding the historical context is important.
Criticism emerged after an online flyer circulated listing far-right media personality Stew Peters among the speakers. Peters has faced backlash for pushing antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
In a statement released last week to 10 On Your Side, the VFW emphasized it does not support extremist ideologies.
Fountain said rhetoric like Peters' is not just inflammatory, but potentially harmful.
'Anti-Jewish sentiment that transcends the state of Israel gets kindled by these kinds of ideas,' he said. 'Repetition can encourage belief, whether we like it or not.'
City officials say a robust security plan is in place for the weekend, which coincides with Norfolk's annual Harborfest celebration.
The city of Norfolk stated that 'Norfolk Police Department will have an increased security presence throughout downtown Norfolk during the entire Harborfest weekend. NPD also receives additional assistance from federal law enforcement partners during Harborfest. While specific details cannot be provided, the Norfolk Police Department maintains a robust security plan for large scale events such as this one to ensure the safety of our public. '
WAVY 10 has reached out the Sheraton numerous times, and has yet to receive a response.
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