NEWS
Penn State cancels student-organized appearance
by Proud Boys founder citing threats of violence
BY CHLOE
FOLMAR - 10/24/22 11:24 PM ET
Penn State
University canceled a speaking engagement Monday night by a founder of the
far-right group Proud Boys due to threats of violence after protests on campus
grew intensely ahead of the event.
“Due to the
threat of escalating violence associated with tonight’s event, Penn State
University Police determined that it was necessary to cancel the speaking event
in the interest of campus safety,” the university announced.
The event,
sponsored by student organization Uncensored America, which advocates for
hosting “cancelled speakers,” would have featured Proud Boys founder Gavin
McInnes and right-wing BlazeTV host Alex Stein.
Protests
had erupted on the campus by several hundred people just before the event start
time with Stein at one point appearing appearing at the protest, according to
the Centre Daily Times.
Penn State
said in its cancellation announcement that demonstrations against the event
“regrettably turned violent.”
“We have
encouraged peaceful protest, and, while protest is an acceptable means of
expression, it becomes unacceptable when it obstructs the basic exchange of
ideas,” officials said.
“Such
obstruction is a form of censorship, no matter who initiates it or for what
reasons.”
The
university reiterated that it disagreed with the views expressed by Uncensored
America, but that they should still be allowed to be shared.
“The University
has been clear that the views and speech of the two speakers at tonight’s
student-organization-hosted event are abhorrent and do not align with the
values of Penn State,” it wrote.
“The
University expects that people engaging in expressive activity will demonstrate
civility, concern for the safety of persons and property, respect for
University activities and for those who may disagree with their message, and
will comply with University rules.”
Penn State
officials released a statement earlier this month titled “University critical
of upcoming speakers for repugnant and denigrating rhetoric,” addressing the
controversial event and explaining why the university would allow it to be
held.
“As a
public university, we are unalterably obligated under the U.S. Constitution’s
First Amendment to protect various expressive rights, even for those whose
viewpoints offend our basic institutional values and our personal
sensibilities,” wrote Interim Vice President Frank Guadagnino, Vice President
of Student Affairs Damon Sims and Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus
Whitehurst.
“While the
past statements and actions of these speakers are alarming and can elicit
strong reactions from our community, we must continue to uphold the right to
free speech — even speech we find abhorrent — because Penn State fully supports
the fundamental right of free speech.”
The
officials added that university leadership disagrees with the views of McInnes
and Stein, calling them “provocateurs who use odious behavior and conflict to
gain attention and avoid serious conversations on topics of importance.”
“The
climate in our nation has been polarized for quite some time,” wrote the
university on Monday.
“On campuses
across the country, violence is proliferating and individuals are being
intimidated and even harmed. This must stop.”
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