As a Marine combat veteran and former Marine of the Year, I am extremely disappointed in the University of Maryland’s decision to silence the story of a man who valiantly served our great nation.

Just like the men and women I had the privilege of serving beside in the Marine Corps, Chris Kyle put on his uniform every day to protect and preserve liberty, the open discussion of ideas, and the opportunity for every American — regardless of race, religion, culture, or gender — to succeed and achieve the American Dream.

If the University of Maryland does not reverse the decision to cancel a screening of ‘American Sniper,’ then I will organize and sponsor a screening for students myself.

With the help and support of numerous state leaders, community members, and University of Maryland students, I have already secured a location and will be announcing a screening for students before the end of the semester in the event the university does not reverse its decision.

We have a responsibility — to ourselves, our younger generations, and the principles America holds most dear — to celebrate and honor heroic acts of valor and to recognize selfless devotion and duty to one’s country. I would hope that an institution entrusted with training the leaders of tomorrow would promote the values of service and sacrifice that Chris Kyle embodied.

There is room for the intelligent discussion of issues that may arise from a movie like ‘American Sniper.’ What there is no room for, however, is censorship.

Editor’s note: David Vogt is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates (R-District 4), Marine combat veteran and 2010 Marine of the Year.