Letter: First Amendment right violated at Thomas & Mack

Thursday, March 18, 2004 | 8:59 a.m.

I have lived in the Las Vegas area for more than 50 years and have paid property taxes for 33 years. I am a Vietnam veteran. I am a retired Las Vegas fireman, having served my community honorably for 27 years. When my First Amendment rights are violated, I feel it is necessary to comment.

During the BYU/UNLV basketball game on March 6, I held up a sign to promote my choice for the next UNLV coach. The sign said, "Hire Coach George Karl." I saw a sign saying "Kill the Cougars" and it wasn't removed. However, an "event staff" member walked up to me and took my sign, saying, "This sign is not allowed in the Thomas & Mack Center, and if you have a problem with it, take it up with the administration." I did just that without answer.

Over the past decade, my son and I have spent more than $15,000 on scholarship donor tickets. My tax dollars helped to build this university and to fund the faculty, including the athletic director and president. Why am I and a few others holding up similar signs being singled out and having our freedom of speech dishonored?

TONY THOMAS