Columbia, S.C. Prepares for a Heated Day of Rallying Against Controversial Event
Columbia, South Carolina finds itself bustling with energy as State Representative Leon Howard gears up to lead a rally at the South Carolina Statehouse this Wednesday, September 18. This rally is drawing attention in response to a highly controversial event taking place at the University of South Carolina later that day. Dubbed a “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris, the event is hosted by the controversial figures Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos.
Setting the Stage for Controversy
To really understand why this rally is happening, it’s key to take a look at who is hosting the roast. Gavin McInnes is known as the founder of the far-right group Proud Boys, which has recently been in the news due to its leader, Enrique Tarrio, receiving a 22-year prison sentence for charges stemming from the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Milo Yiannopoulos has made a name for himself as a former editor for Breitbart News and has had a controversial career that includes working with Kanye West and consistently criticizing social justice movements and feminism.
Besides their backgrounds, what has many people riled up are the promotional posters for the roast, which have been described as insensitive and inflammatory. Rep. Howard weighed in on the matter, stating, “It’s unacceptable that a public institution like USC would provide a platform for hateful ideologies.” He insists that this event doesn’t align with the values of inclusion and respect that the community should stand for.
Support from Community Organizations
Not one to stand alone, Howard’s efforts are backed by Carolina for All, a non-partisan organization that advocates for voter access. Their director, Lawrence Moore, expressed the organization’s support for calling attention to the problematic nature of the roast. He mentioned that this roast happens shortly after a summit in Columbia meant to combat antisemitism on college campuses that included notable figures such as South Carolina’s Attorney General and the state’s Governor.
In addition to grassroots support, the NAACP has also joined the fray. They fired off a letter to USC President Michael D. Amiridis, urging the university to reconsider the event and cancel it altogether. Strong community sentiment appears to be growing against what is viewed as a lack of accountability for what happens on campus.
University’s Standpoint
In response to the backlash, the University of South Carolina has made its stance clear. In a joint statement released by President Amiridis and the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Thad Westbrook, the university emphasized their commitment to safeguarding First Amendment rights. They’ve maintained that while the roast is controversial, it is essential to allow points of view to be expressed—even those that many may find uncomfortable.
Governor Henry McMaster weighed in on the university’s autonomy, remarking, “As far as someone speaking on a college campus, unless there’s some true threat, … then the university has no right.” This seems to reflect a broader challenge in reconciling free speech rights with social responsibility, as Columbia locals gear up for a day filled with passion and differing opinions.
The Big Day Arrives
As the clock ticks closer to 4 pm, when the rally hosted by Carolina for All is set to kick off at the North Steps of the Statehouse, the campus community is preparing for what promises to be a contentious evening. The roast of Vice President Harris will take place later in the Russell House Ballroom on campus, further amplifying the stakes of the day overall.
In a world that feels increasingly divided, Columbia is emerging as yet another stage for vital conversations about tolerance, respect, and the limits of free expression.
