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Controversial Brooklyn College Event With Anti-Israel Speakers Goes On Calmly

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An event at a local college that stirred controversy over its subject and speakers went off calmly despite a recent furor.

Brooklyn College was criticized for hosting a lecture Thursday night by anti-Israel speakers.

The speakers talked about using boycotts, divestment and sanctions to pressure Israel on how it treats Palestinian rights. The audience of roughly 200 people was mainly supportive. About 40 people protested the event outside.

The talk was co-sponsored by several campus groups and the political science department. Critics have said the department should not be among the sponsors.

The college has said sponsorship is not the same thing as an endorsement.

Brooklyn College is part of the City University of New York.

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