Columbia Rallies Against Controversial Roast of Vice President Harris
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement and controversy as multicultural student organizations unite against a planned “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris. This peculiar event is set to take place at the Russell House on September 18, featuring two well-known far-right personalities who are no strangers to making headlines for their divisive rhetoric.
A Gathering Storm of Voices
In a show of solidarity, the NAACP chapter at the University of South Carolina took to Instagram, declaring, “We stand united against any and all forms of racism and injustice.” As the event approaches, over 20 student groups have voiced their **discontent**, describing the roast as “hurtful” to the university’s diverse student body.
The event is hosted by Uncensored America, an organization that claims to champion free speech. However, many students and community leaders argue that providing a platform for individuals known for their hate-filled speech is in direct conflict with the values the university espouses.
The Individuals Behind the Controversy
Gavin McInnes, co-founder of the Proud Boys—a group labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center—will join Milo Yiannopoulos, a self-proclaimed right-wing provocateur known for his misogynistic and transphobic statements. Both personalities have a documented history of stirring conflict, raising concerns among students and faculty.
Students Speak Out
The coalition of student groups, including organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists and the Pan-African Student Association, released a collective statement expressing their disappointment. They highlighted the importance of the Carolinian Creed, which encourages students to respect “the dignity of all persons” and to discourage bigotry.
The statement reiterated their hope that the university would take actionable steps to ensure a safe and supportive environment that upholds the values they cherish. “This is a time for us to reaffirm our dedication to these principles,” it read.
University’s Response
A university spokesperson declined to comment on the students’ protests or demands. Meanwhile, the NAACP has reached out directly to the University President, arguing that the event violates university policy and South Carolina laws against obscenity. Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP, criticized the administration, stating, “If (USC) leadership values their Black students, it’s only right they shut this event down.”
Community Support and Growing Concern
Local community leaders, including Democrats from the state legislature, have joined the uproar against the upcoming roast. They argue that endorsing such an event could expose students to dangerous ideologies and foster an atmosphere of hostility. State Rep. Ivory Thigpen emphasized the need to address this troubling situation, reiterating the importance of safeguarding students from hate speech.
Petition for Change
The backlash has also garnered national attention with a petition spearheaded by Courtney McClain, a USC alumna, calling for the cancellation of the roast. This petition has attracted nearly 25,000 signatures, showcasing a significant wave of support from both students and alumni.
However, in a delicate balancing act, university leaders released a statement acknowledging the “vile and juvenile rhetoric” surrounding the event but also emphasized their obligation as a public institution to allow dialogue—even when it’s offensive. They advocated for protecting the First Amendment rights of students, noting that censoring hateful speech could ironically amplify it. “Censoring even the most hateful individuals does not solve our society’s problems,” they stated.
Looking Ahead
As the event looms closer, many in the university community are left contemplating the implications of this controversial roast. With diverse voices coming together to demand respect and equality, it’s clear that Columbia stands firm in its commitment to fight against hate. The coming days will likely see further discussions and events as students band together to uphold the spirit of inclusiveness they believe should define their campus community.
