By CONNOR RYAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Days before controversial journalist James O’Keefe was slated to speak to students at Rose Hill, members of Fordham’s College Democrats group discussed emailing Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, in protest of O’Keefe’s appearance.

Michael Billotti, GSB ’15 and the group’s president, said members were told they had the option of emailing McShane, but insisted there was no pressure to do so.

“We told them they could [send emails] if they chose to, there was absolutely no pressure,” he said. “We simply wanted them to know that they have a right to reach out to the administration.”

He added: “As tuition paying students, if they oppose Mr. O’keefe’s appearance then they have a right to voice their opinion.”

Bob Howe, Fordham’s director of communications, declined to comment.

O’Keefe will be appearing in Rose Hill’s Flom Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday.