CU satirist arrested
Student's remarks frighten others in light of Virginia Tech massacre
Vimal Patel and Jim Holt
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
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A Colorado-Boulder student arrested for making allegedly threatening comments during a classroom discussion is a "really nice guy" with a "tongue-in-cheek, twisted sense of humor," a friend said Wednesday.
Max Karson, a psychology major, was arrested after witnesses told investigators they felt threatened to be in class with him after a class discussion about the Virginia Tech shootings, a CU police official said.
"He raised his hand and said he could easily understand how people can get mad enough to kill 32 people," said Cmdr. Brad Wiesley of the CU Police Department.
"He said things like the walls and the lights were making him angry enough that he could kill people. Many of the students in that class felt personally threatened and were afraid to go back to class."
But friends described Karson, an editor of a small publication that sparks debate on controversial issues such as race and ethnicity, as a friendly guy with a wicked sense of humor.
"I thought, 'oh, geez, there's Max again,'" said Laura Kellogg, a CU student and friend of Karson's, about hearing of her friend's arrest. "He's all about satire."
After Karson made his comments, other students questioned him. One asked if he would come to class with a gun on Thursday and kill people, to which he responded, "Maybe not this Thursday," Wiesley said.
A message left on Karson's father's answering machine was not returned by Wednesday night.
He was arrested on Tuesday after a meeting with the vice chancellor of student affairs and police officials.
Karson appeared in court at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and is free on bail. He's accused of interfering with faculty, staff or students at an educational institution, a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
"Max is probably the most intelligent and kind person I know and he has everyone's best interests at heart," said Stephanie Coyle, a CU student and friend of Karson's. "He addresses issues that people are afraid to talk about."
Max Karson, a psychology major, was arrested after witnesses told investigators they felt threatened to be in class with him after a class discussion about the Virginia Tech shootings, a CU police official said.
"He raised his hand and said he could easily understand how people can get mad enough to kill 32 people," said Cmdr. Brad Wiesley of the CU Police Department.
"He said things like the walls and the lights were making him angry enough that he could kill people. Many of the students in that class felt personally threatened and were afraid to go back to class."
But friends described Karson, an editor of a small publication that sparks debate on controversial issues such as race and ethnicity, as a friendly guy with a wicked sense of humor.
"I thought, 'oh, geez, there's Max again,'" said Laura Kellogg, a CU student and friend of Karson's, about hearing of her friend's arrest. "He's all about satire."
After Karson made his comments, other students questioned him. One asked if he would come to class with a gun on Thursday and kill people, to which he responded, "Maybe not this Thursday," Wiesley said.
A message left on Karson's father's answering machine was not returned by Wednesday night.
He was arrested on Tuesday after a meeting with the vice chancellor of student affairs and police officials.
Karson appeared in court at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and is free on bail. He's accused of interfering with faculty, staff or students at an educational institution, a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
"Max is probably the most intelligent and kind person I know and he has everyone's best interests at heart," said Stephanie Coyle, a CU student and friend of Karson's. "He addresses issues that people are afraid to talk about."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
beth elderton
posted 4/19/07 @ 10:07 AM MST
this is a case of fear-induced first amendment infringement. Is this what we want here in our "free" society? Did anyone ask this kid what he meant? Is this kid the only one who is thinking? Are you people really this frightened?
james
posted 4/19/07 @ 7:03 PM MST
Sorry but I disagree
His comments were inappropriate most especially at this time
Yes he is free to give his opinion but his is a case of poor judgment. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 4/20/07 @ 5:46 AM MST
Chalk another one up for the city that continues to bring shame and embarrassment to the state of Colorado. Seriously, is there something in the water there that causes Boulderites to overreact to anything and everything that could possibly offend someone? What's next, no smoking in the city limits? Oh yeah, that's right. (Continued…)
dante t
posted 4/20/07 @ 11:05 AM MST
Universities have become the places LEAST tolerant of free speach. While I disagree with his opinion, and find it inappropriate, I find reactionist over-response (like Iraq? Manzinar? ) much more dangerous. (Continued…)
dave kilness
posted 4/21/07 @ 1:18 AM MST
To be satirical, ones audience must understand that is what the author is trying to convey. If one only reads one article of a satrist, you may come to the conclusion that the author is a nut-case. (Continued…)
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