of a supremacist ideology that is routed in the teaching of the Islamic religion." The controversial term "Islamofascism" is used by some commentators, including Horowitz, to describe an association between radical Islamist ideology and 20th century European fascist movements. Spencer said he would have preferred to dub the week jihadism awareness week.

"I do not believe that Islam at its core is a peaceful religion," he said. "That doesn't mean I don't believe there are peaceful Muslims."

Pointing to examples of violence in the Islamic world -- spousal abuse, the threat of death to those who want to leave Islam, female circumcision practices in Somalia, the murder of homosexuals -- Spencer said he believes Islamofascists see these behaviors as consistent with and justified by the Quran's teachings. Discussing jihad, he'11 said he thought the lecture unfairly cast suspicion on the entire Muslim community.

Asiaii said she believed Spencer voiced a minority opinion.

"I think there is definitely some truth in the ideas that he expressed, but it's always really important to discuss historical context and acknowledge different interpretations and perspectives on those issues that the majority of Muslims adhere to," Asiaii said.

College Republicans President Mark Frank '09 said he was pleased with the lecture.

"It was great to get an alternative view. Where he was very provocative, he largely backed his arguments with solid evidence, and I do think a lot of people in this room, while (they) disagreed with him, at the minimum thought it was thought-provoking and worthwhile," Frank said.