WHITEWATER, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was the latest stage for a controversial Colorado professor Tuesday night.

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Ward Churchill Says U.S. Policies To Blame For Killings Slideshow: Inside & Out Of Churchill Speech

Ward Churchill has received a lot of press in recent weeks for comments he made three years ago about the World Trade Center attacks. ( Read Essay: scroll down for "Some People Push Back" On the Justice of Roosting Chickens )

Only 400 students were allowed inside the auditorium to hear Churchill speak, but hundreds gathered outside in support and to protest, including Republican Rep. Steve Nass of Whitewater, who has been an outspoken critic of UW-Whitewater officials for not canceling Ward's appearance.

Churchill supporters gathered outside the campus' main gate holding signs reading "First Amendment Fan" and "Free Speech" while student Republicans held a candlelight vigil for 9/11 victims.

Churchill's visit was sponsored by a student group, the Native American Cultural Awareness Association. His speech, "Racism Against the American Indian,” was one of four scheduled on campus this week for Native Pride Week.

His presentation started with a Native American drum song. His speech started off discussing Native American oppression and then spread out to the topic of freedom of speech, including jabs at FOX News, especially Bill O'Reilly, who has advocated for Churchill's firing from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

"(Apparently) You're free to speak as long as no one is listening -- or at least very few people," Churchill said. "To deny me the right to speak, is also to deny you the right to hear."

Churchill also said that mass media has quoted him as saying the 9-11 attacks were justified, and that is incorrect.

"I never used the word justified," he said. "I spoke to a phenomenon that I see as natural and inevitable ... nor did I advocate the events of 9-11 or replications of it."

Free Speech Debate

UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW-Whitewater Chancellor Jack Miller said it was a difficult decision to allow Churchill to speak on campus.

Miller spoke before Churchill Tuesday night and said that he does not regret allowing Churchill's speech to go on, despite widespread criticism.

"Regardless of some opinions to the contrary, it is still my belief that the academy is at its best when it functions as a forum for the free exchange of ideas," Miller said. "I, apparently unlike some others, have faith that our faculty, staff and students are able to decide for themselves whether to listen and to critically assess the messages of those who speak on our campus. I do not share the fear of words that apparently is becoming more prevalent in our society."

"The university must follow its conscience, and its commitment to the principles of First Amendment freedom, in allowing the lecture to move forward," a joint statement read. "This decision was not made lightly, and was made only after counsel with faculty, student leaders, security staff and First Amendment experts ... it is absolutely critical that universities maintain and protect the open forum that allows ideas to rise or fall on their own merit. " ( Read Full Statement )

Churchill was paid about $4,000 for his speech. About $1,400 came from student fees, university officials said. However, the university may in effect pay more after some alumni say they will no longer make contributions.

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