Michael Moore creates free speech scholarship

LOS ANGELES - Maverick film-maker Michael Moore today announced a "freedom of speech" scholarship for students at a Southern California university who defy the administration and stand up for student rights.

Moore, whose popular documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" helped polarize America in the run-up to the 2004 US presidential elections, established the US$2,500 (NZ$3,437) award for students attending California State University San Marcos.

Moore was barred from an October 2004 speaking engagement at the university, about 56 km north of San Diego, because there was not enough time to arrange for a speaker from the opposite side of the political spectrum.

Students responded by organizing their own protest and holding a 10,000-strong rally and concert at an off-campus venue where folk singer Joan Baez performed and Moore gave a speech.

The scholarship will be awarded to two students, for a minimum of four years, who have done the most to fight for issues of student rights by standing up to the Cal State San Marcos administration, Moore said.

"I hope this scholarship will encourage students to show courage and stand up for what they believe in," Moore said in a statement. "The university should not be a place for fear, but a place for bravery, free thought, and a little bit of rebellion."

Cal State San Marcos said it had no comment on the scholarships.

- REUTERS