Columbia: A Controversial Night at the University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, was buzzing with energy this Wednesday night, but it wasn’t the usual student excitement typically seen at the University of South Carolina. Instead, the atmosphere was tense and charged as the Russell House, the student union building located on Greene Street, transformed into a venue for a polarizing event. State and local law enforcement officers patrolled the area as metal barricades lined the entrances, creating a pathway that felt more like a fortress than a welcome center for students.
The Event: A Roast of Vice President Kamala Harris
The occasion? A uniquely titled “roast” of Vice President Kamala Harris, featuring two far-right figures, Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos, both known for their history of incendiary rhetoric. The event was organized by Uncensored America, a student group that claims to support freedom of speech. However, it raised eyebrows and sparked criticisms throughout the community and university even before the night arrived.
McInnes, a founder of the Proud Boys, and Yiannopoulos, sometimes referred to as the “pop star of hate,” have both been associated with views that many deem harmful and divisive. Their past actions and words have led organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center to label them as hate group affiliates. From the moment plans for this event surfaced, concerns from university leaders and local officials turned into uproar, leading to alternative activities being organized just blocks away.
Inside Russell House: An Evening of Polarizing Opinions
Despite the criticisms, the atmosphere inside was lively, with nearly 180 attendees, not counting the media and security personnel present. Some came wearing campaign attire for former President Donald Trump, while others sported shirts that stirred up controversy, like the infamous “Let’s go Brandon.” One woman even wore clothes supporting Palestine, reflecting the diverse set of opinions in attendance.
As McInnes took the stage around 8:30 p.m., he launched into a fervent attack on Vice President Harris—his language peppered with profanity and slurs. Many in the crowd heckled, while others applauded, resulting in a mixed environment. About halfway through Yiannopoulos’s performance, which concluded shortly before 10 p.m., the energy had noticeably shifted, with many attendees choosing to leave in protest.
A Community Responds: Alternatives Over Protests
Outside Russell House, dozens of demonstrators held signs inscribed with messages like “Make Facists Afraid” and “Not on our campus – not anywhere”, advocating for a more inclusive environment. The feeling among protesters was united; they shared a commitment to keeping the campus a safe space for all students, especially those in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, USC’s student government organized a vibrant alternative event called Blatt Bonanza, featuring food, music, and inflatable obstacle courses—drawing in more than 1,500 attendees desperate for an evening sans the tension that marked the roast.
Discussions on Free Speech and Campus Safety
In the wake of the event, the conversation turned towards the First Amendment and the balance between free speech and campus safety. USC President Michael Amiridis acknowledged the university’s responsibility to uphold these rights, even when it meant hosting events that could be deemed inflammatory. Many, including the NAACP and local civic leaders, expressed disappointment, urging for stricter measures against events that could spread hate.
Ultimately, while Uncensored America’s roast drew people for various reasons—some to support free speech, others out of curiosity—the communities surrounding the university made it clear that voices of dissent would also ring loud and clear. The tension of the evening served not only as a reminder of the divisions in today’s society but also highlighted the ongoing discussions about what it means to foster a healthy and diverse intellectual environment in academic spaces.
As Columbia looks ahead, it seems that debates about speech, safety, and inclusivity at the University of South Carolina are far from over.
