 In my role with Roots Action Civic Engagement, I have been visiting colleges and universities – registering new voters and discussing the role of future thought leaders in local civic issues. Yesterday at a local university I was asked by a tearful student: “How do we maintain hope when our very existence is being threatened by anti-trans rhetoric every day?” A student group at the University of Buffalo is hosting Michael Knowles, a right-wing commentator who recently stated “transgenderism must be eradicated from public life.” The name of his talk is “How Radical Feminism Destroys Women (and everything else).” Despite outcry from the public, students, alumni, School of Law, Department of Gender Studies and others, the University is giving an anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ+, misogynist, a platform to spread a message of hate and intolerance. This type of speech is what has emboldened a new generation of individuals who believe it is their duty to exact violence upon marginalized and vulnerable groups of people. This is not freedom of speech; it is an attempt to infringe on the rights of certain people to simply live. This is unacceptable. I will be in solidarity with my community tomorrow, March 9th at 5pm as we March to Slee Hall in protest. If you are outside of the Buffalo area (especially UB alum), please call President Satish K. Tripathi and express your concern for the safety and well-being of the students at (716) 645-2901. Even when we have little hope, we must keep up the fight!   |
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