Officials stand by arrest of man at forum

University and Havre Police Department officials are standing by the arrest of a man at a forum involving questions of free speech and the Dakota Access Pipeline, although some in the community are questioning whether the arrest was needed or justified.

Henry Charles Valdez Jr. was arrested Nov. 30 on a charge of disorderly conduct at a forum held by the Associated Students of Montana State University-Northern to collect input on whether the Senate should vote in favor of a Montana Associated Students resolution about the pipeline protest.

Valdez, who has not responded to a request from the Ha...