While we value freedom of expression, Rochester LGBTQ+ Together stands wholeheartedly with those against Michael Knowles speaking on the University at Buffalo campus. Knowles, who is a commentator at The Daily Wire, a conservative news site founded by Ben Shapiro, will be brought to campus by the school’s Young Americans for Freedom student chapter on Thursday. During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Knowles said, “transgenderism must be eradicated.”
We are appalled and outraged. No one should support or give a platform to anyone calling for the eradication of a people under the guise of freedom of speech or supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. This amplification of hateful language makes marginalized, vulnerable populations even less safe; it’s dangerous and often leads to escalations in violence. All students deserve to feel safe, and LGBTQ+ students at UB deserve better.
ACTION ITEMS SEEN ONLINE:
1. Sign the email to the President of UB: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSeByFMNMB0klhXRB5DAgD2dU4i2-1j1yhAhlGCDa1dzem7KEQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0MiGWih1zyzOCLQCuFyjErPy5L4bHlZKBTDKMTqiXnII588Mjx3kXGejk
2. Register for seats at the event (to virtually ‘fill up spaces’): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-knowles-at-the-university-of-buffalo-tickets-537988737797
3. Contact the University:
DEI Office:
(716) 645-2266
diversity@buffalo.edu
Office of the President:
(716) 645-2901
president@buffalo.edu
Media Relations:
(716) 645-3765
UB Student Association:
(716) 645-2950
ubsa@buffalo.edu
State that this type of speech is NOT protected and is a call to violence – and that it goes against UB’s policies.
4. If able to, join in protest outside of “SLEE HALL” at 6pm, and a peaceful sit-in during the event at 7pm.
