In a frank and often emotional discussion, Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller discussed his decision to pull "Brokeback Mountain" with concerned students and faculty at the University of Utah Thursday.

The discussion was prompted by concerns among some at the U. that Miller had been selected to speak at today's kick-off of the university's "Discover U Days," a first-time event aimed at showcasing the campus.

After the two-hour meeting behind closed doors, Miller said he didn't regret pulling the gay-themed movie from his theater earlier this year, but he does have a deeper understanding of why there was opposition to the move.

"It was very clear these people live with very real fear of emotional and physical harm, even now," Miller said. "Learning that they live in that world, that causes me to rethink and be more sensitive to some of the actions I do may have unintended consequences."

Miller said he pulled the movie about a gay love affair over concerns about what he sees as a growing breakdown in traditional families. And that concern hasn't changed.

Still, he said, "It gives me a lot to think about.

"I'm not going to make any promises on where I'm going to land," he said. "I will have learned a greater sensitivity to the things they live with."

At noon today, Miller will speak on "The Rewards of Investing in Higher Education" at the U. Union Ballroom. Some students are still planning on a silent protest, but Miller said he'll stick to the topic of funding education and the relationship between higher education and the community.

U. spokeswoman Coralie Alder said the two-day "Discover U Days" event is "an opportunity to invite our campus friends and community friends to come up and really see the campus."

Miller's address will be followed by educational sessions on topics such as global warming and the Brain Institute.

Saturday's events include a free pancake breakfast, soccer and golf clinics, a community health fair, free admission to Red Butte Garden and the U.'s two main museums, along with the annual "Red & White" spring football game.

"People can come in and get a glimpse of all the expertise we have at the U.," Alder said.

She said that Thursday's meeting was respectful and thoughtful on all sides.

"It was a very good discussion," Alder said. "There was very open dialogue; it was very candid on all sides."

Charles Milne, program coordinator for the U. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, said "people spoke from their hearts very openly and very much about their thoughts and feelings. . . .

"We have an understanding of where he's coming from, and hopefully he has understanding of where we're coming from," Milne said. "We are looking to continue that conversation."

Miller said he hoped to continue the dialogue and come up with something more substantive. Miller's decision to pull the movie garnered international media attention. Miller said the response he's gotten personally has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I didn't think it would be this big," Miller said. "It must have been a slow news day."

For a full schedule of "Discover U Days" visit www.ucomm.utah.edu/udays/ or call 801-581-6773.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com