Pennsylvania State University canceled a comedy event that had been planned for Monday co-hosted by the founder of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, after a protest against the speakers became violence.
Penn State officials have previously said they will host an event featuring Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes in favor of free speech – even as they criticize what they call “vulgar and hateful language” ” of the speakers.
But the university backed off the course shortly before Monday night’s event, saying in a statement that campus police determined it should be canceled because “the risk of escalation of violence. “
Rector of the university, Neeli Bendapudi, said in a statement that a peaceful street protest against the event turned violent. She said it was her “understanding” that Alex Stein, the comedy event’s co-host, was walking into the crowd and increasing the tension.
“It’s not clear which individuals on the spot subsequently resorted to physical confrontation and use of pepper spray against others in the crowd, including against police officers,” she said. added that no one was injured. The university did not immediately respond to a request for further comment and campus police declined to comment.
The event, billed as a “politically provocative” comedy, was organized by Uncensored America, a nonprofit that organizes so-called “honest and fun conversations with controversial figures.” argue against censorship and de-culture.”
America is not censored was established two years ago by Sean Semanko, a radio host and a field organizer for President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 campaign, who attended Penn State. Neither the team nor Mr McInnes nor Mr Stein could be reached for comment early Tuesday morning.
Mr. McInnes is a British-Canadian who become a far-right provocateur after working at a hipster magazine in Montreal moved to Brooklyn. He founded the first official chapter of the Proud Boys in New York in 2016.
In January 2021, Proud Boys has at the center of the violent attack on the US Capitol. Several dozen of its members have been indicted in connection with the attack.
Protests against conservative and right Speakers on university campuses in the United States have focused national attention in recent years on the question of whether schools are shutting down unpopular political views.
In her statement on Tuesday, Ms. Bendapudi, who become the chancellor of the university in May, defended the university’s original decision to allow the humorous event, saying it reflected the institution’s support for the constitutional right to free speech.
Ms. Bendapudi also expressed support for the students who peacefully protested against the speakers, noting that she was among the hundreds of faculty, staff, students and others who had gathered. practice for an event on Monday to celebrate diversity at the university.
