Oregon State University Shuts Down Free Speech to Block peta2 Installation

University Breaks Own Free Speech Policy to Disallow High-Tech ‘I, Chicken’ Project

For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Oregon State University (OSU) has flagrantly violated its own free speech policy by denying Vegans and Vegetarians at OSU (the campus animal rights organization) a permit to set up peta2’s innovative “I, Chicken” virtual reality (VR) installation, which is designed to help students learn about what chickens see, hear, and feel. Though the permit was submitted with ample time for review, it was suddenly denied on Saturday night, leaving student supporters no time to reorganize before the event, which was scheduled to begin on Monday.

“peta2 has visited Oregon State University in the past with other displays, and there’s simply no reason why ‘I, Chicken’ should be any exception,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “Our cutting-edge project provides students with a unique educational opportunity to really be able to feel what it’s like to be a chicken destined for slaughter, and we should have the university’s support.”

“I, Chicken” was made possible by a grant from The Simpsons co-creator and noted philanthropist Sam Simon—who passed away on March 8 but was able to be one of the first to try the experience during its launch. Since then, peta2—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—has taken the project to schools across the country.

peta2 representatives will set up an information table at 1 p.m. today at Memorial Union Plaza, the spot where “I, Chicken” was set to appear.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.