Kristen Cole
Director of News and Editorial Communications
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
kristen.cole@uconn.edu
RE: Sabrina Fulton Speaking Engagement
Director Cole,
It is my hope that UCONN not be unwittingly taken in by an exploitative agenda. In the interest of full disclosure it should be noted on related UCONN media materials as well as at the event the following:
1) That Florida’s “stand your ground” law was never an issue in this case. Neither the Prosecution nor the Defense made any issue of Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
2) Applying for trademark protection [1].
3) Development and marketing of the “Trayvon Martin” image was handled by Julison Communications of Orlando, Florida, hired by Sabrina Fulton’s attorneys Natalie Jackson and Benjamin Crump. This includes the dissemination of a photo outdated by five years. [2]
Had “stand your ground” been at issue it would be a legitimate topic in this context, however it was not at issue in this context. Copyrighting a name and hiring a PR firm are unusual and seem to indicate a commercial interest.
Discussion of important topics is necessary and UCONN is to be commended. But truth must not be hidden so that topics may be exploited for economic or political purposes.
I hope that UCONN is interested in discovering and promoting truth, dispelling preconceived notions, and in not being used unwittingly by those promoting a false legend to support their agenda. A false legend can have serious consequences. [3]
[1] Application Serial Number 85575974 filed 03/21/2012, http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn85575974&docId=APP20120324080734#docIndex=24&page=1
[2] http://www.phillytrib.com/commentaryarticles/keep-quest-for-justice-for-trayvon-going.html
[3] http://articles.latimes.com/2012/apr/26/nation/la-na-nn-trayvon-beatings-20120426
Thumbs up !