NAACP Urges University of South Carolina to Cancel Kamala Harris Roast Event

The NAACP is calling on the University of South Carolina to cancel a controversial “roast” event targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, citing concerns over hate speech and potential violence.

At a Glance

NAACP urges University of South Carolina to cancel Kamala Harris “roast” event
Event organizers include Uncensored America, featuring controversial speakers Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos
University defends the event on First Amendment grounds
Over 22,000 signatures gathered on petition against the event
State representatives and NAACP leaders condemn the event as promoting hate speech

NAACP’s Call for Cancellation

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has taken a firm stance against an upcoming event at the University of South Carolina, demanding its cancellation. The event in question is a “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris, organized by the student chapter of Uncensored America, a group advocating for freedom of speech.

In a letter to University President Michael Amiridis, the NAACP expressed deep concerns about the event’s potential to promote hate speech and violence. The organization highlighted the controversial nature of the featured speakers, Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys, and Milo Yiannopoulos, both known for their provocative and often offensive rhetoric.

“While the NAACP is a staunch advocate for, and defender of, free speech, in light of the advertisement used for the proposed event, the NAACP urges USC to cancel the proposed event, not because of what might be said at the event, but because of what already has been said and depicted in the obscene advertisement,” the NAACP’s letter reads.

University’s Stance and Public Reaction

Despite the growing controversy, the University of South Carolina has decided to allow the event to proceed, citing First Amendment protections. University President Michael Amiridis stated that the institution is committed to upholding free speech on campus, having adopted the Chicago Principles to ensure free expression.

This decision has sparked a significant backlash from various quarters. An online petition started by USC alumna Courtney McClain has garnered over 22,000 signatures, calling for the event’s cancellation or relocation. The petition argues that the speakers’ values conflict with the university’s Carolinian Creed, which stands against bigotry.

The President of the NAACP has called on the University of South Carolina to cancel an upcoming "roast" of Vice President Kamala Harris.https://t.co/xSsx2OmSau

— WACH FOX (@wachfox) August 29, 2024

Concerns Over Campus Safety and Inclusivity

The NAACP and other critics have raised serious concerns about the potential impact of this event on campus safety and student morale. Referencing past incidents of violence associated with Yiannopoulos’s appearances, particularly at UC Berkeley, the NAACP warned of clear and immediate dangers to students, staff, and visitors.

“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.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasized the broader implications of allowing such events on college campuses. “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,” Johnson stated.

Political Responses and Calls for Action

The controversy has drawn responses from political figures and community leaders. Democratic Representative Ivory Thigpen criticized USC officials for “hiding behind First Amendment protections,” while State Representative Leon Howard has gone as far as urging a boycott of USC football games until the issue is resolved.

The NAACP South Carolina State Conference President Brenda Murphy joined in condemning the event, stating, “There is no place for hate in a democracy.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many who view the event as not just an isolated incident, but a symptom of broader issues regarding campus climate and the treatment of minority students.

As the debate continues, the University of South Carolina finds itself at the center of a national conversation about the limits of free speech, the responsibilities of educational institutions, and the protection of marginalized communities in academic settings.