Real estate investor Tom Lewis has withdrawn his annual $400,000 donation to Arizona State University's honors college following a dispute over the invitation of conservative speakers to campus. Lewis, a long-time benefactor of ASU, expressed his disappointment with the faculty's response to an event featuring Dennis Prager, Charlie Kirk, and Robert Kiyosaki.

The event, organized by Ann Atkinson, the executive director of the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development within the honors college, sparked controversy among faculty members who signed a petition condemning the speakers as "purveyors of hate." While the event proceeded without incident, Atkinson was later terminated from her position. Atkinson alleges her dismissal was a direct result of the faculty's opposition to the conservative speakers.

ASU, however, maintains that Atkinson's termination was due to Lewis withdrawing his funding, which directly supported her position. The university emphasized that the event itself was successful and well-attended. Lewis, in a statement, cited the "left-wing hostility and activism" on campus as the primary reason for withdrawing his support. He expressed concern over the university's commitment to free speech and open dialogue, stating he no longer had confidence in the honors college's ability to uphold these principles.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and political discourse on college campuses. The differing perspectives of the involved parties underscore the complexities of navigating these issues within academic institutions. Over two decades, Lewis has contributed millions to ASU, establishing the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development. This withdrawal marks a significant shift in his relationship with the university.