The University of South Carolina is facing mounting pressure from the NAACP to cancel a scheduled “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing the event could be both disrespectful and dangerous.
At a Glance
- The NAACP and students urge USC to cancel a “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Concerns include the event’s sexist and racist nature and potential campus violence.
- The event features Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos, known for controversial remarks.
- Over 22,000 students signed a petition against the event.
- USC maintains the event upholds First Amendment protections.
NAACP Urges Cancellation of Kamala Harris Roast
The NAACP, in conjunction with student leaders, is demanding the University of South Carolina (USC) cancel a planned comedic “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris. The organization argues that hosting such an event with figures like Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys, and controversial commentator Milo Yiannopoulos undermines Harris’s historic achievements and poses a risk to campus safety.
Details of the roast, organized by the student chapter of Uncensored America, have caused substantial backlash. Critics fear it will promote sexist and racist rhetoric, potentially inciting violence on campus. The NAACP’s letter to USC President Michael Amiridis highlighted the offensive nature of the event’s advertisements and referenced past violence at Yiannopoulos events, such as at UC Berkeley.
NAACP calls for University of South Carolina to cancel 'roast' of Harris https://t.co/9DRC8zyVJ5
— WKRN News 2 (@WKRN) September 4, 2024
University’s Stance and Opposition
USC President Michael Amiridis responded by emphasizing the institution’s commitment to upholding First Amendment protections and free speech. He acknowledged the controversial nature of the event but asserted the university’s adherence to the Chicago Principles, which prioritize free expression while condemning hate speech and bigotry.
“Hate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation. At a time where we are witnessing groundbreaking history, bad actors aim to cast a dark shadow on those very achievements,” Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said in a separate statement.
Critics, including state representatives, lawmaker, and student leaders, have voiced their concerns through an online petition, which has gathered more than 22,000 signatures. The petition states that hosting speakers like McInnes and Yiannopoulos conflicts with the university’s values and could threaten minority students.
Safety Concerns and Broader Implications
The issue also involves safety concerns. McInnes and the Proud Boys have a documented history of violence and are classified as a terrorist organization in Canada. The NAACP’s letter elaborates that inviting individuals associated with violence and property damage poses a direct threat to students, staff, and visitors at USC.
“Put simply, inviting to USC the founder of a terrorist group, which has a history of violence, and a speaker, whose presence results in violence and property damage, would present a clear and immediate danger to the student body, campus personnel, and visitors,” the NAACP’s letter concludes.
The NAACP’s effort to cancel the roast underscores the ongoing struggle to balance free speech rights with protecting marginalized communities from hate speech and potential violence. As the event date approaches, the debate continues, with stakeholders on both sides closely monitoring developments.
