As many of you know, a speaking event on the University Park campus was canceled tonight (Oct. 24) because campus police were concerned about escalating violence and public safety. The event was to feature Gavin McInnes and Alex Stein who are provocateurs known for their abhorrent views and rhetoric. From the start, Penn State’s administration firmly denounced the two speakers. However, they were invited to speak on campus by a registered student organization and as an institution of higher education, we support the fundamental constitutional right of free speech and free expression of all members of our community. It is precisely because of this unwavering commitment to free speech that provocative individuals target our campus to deliver speeches.

I am so proud of our students who organized an alternative event to register their disapproval of these speakers, and their disavowal of their hateful messages. I was privileged to be part of the several hundred faculty, staff, students and community leaders inside the HUB-Robeson Center where we gathered for the “Together We Are” event that reaffirmed our unity.

Other individuals chose to assemble outside the venue and also exercise their right to free speech in opposition to the invited speakers. It is my understanding that Alex Stein (co-host with Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes) entered the peaceful protest and this action raised the tension. It is unclear which individuals onsite then resorted to physical confrontation and to using pepper spray against others in the crowd, including against police officers.

Thankfully, it appears that no one was seriously injured in today’s event. 

Tonight, Stein and McInnes will celebrate a victory for being canceled, when in actuality, they contributed to the very violence that compromised their ability to speak. Tonight, counter-protestors also will celebrate a victory that they forced the University to cancel this event, when in actuality they have furthered the visibility of the very cause they oppose.

Tonight, the message too many people will walk away with is that one can manipulate people to generate free publicity, or that one can restrict speech by escalating protest to violence. These are not ideas that we can endorse as an institution of higher education. We cannot laud academic freedom; and then abandon the constitutional right to free expression which undergirds academic freedom. Over the coming weeks, let us reflect on the role we must all play in encouraging vigorous debate and also upholding the values we hold dear. 

For those who have been impacted, please know you have our support and there are resources available:

FOR STUDENTS

• Gender Equity Center (confidential): 814-863-2027
• Multicultural Resource Center: Reach out to an MRC college counselor by calling 814-865-1773 or emailing MRC@psu.edu for an appointment.
• Student Care and Advocacy: 814-863-2020         
• Counseling & Psychological Services: Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.
• Community and Belonging Resources

FOR ALL

• The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate. 
• Penn State Hotline (anonymous reporting): 800-560-1637 
• Penn State Police: 814-863-1111 
• Report Bias/Harassment