On Friday, the NAACP sent a letter to University South Carolina President Michael D. Amiridis, calling on him and University leadership to cancel an upcoming campus event featuring right-wing extremist ‘Proud Boys’ founder and other known white supremacists. The letter comes amidst widespread public outrage of the ‘Roast’ of Kamala Harris that has utilized racial tropes to boost attendance.
“Hate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation," said NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson. "At a time where we are witnessing groundbreaking history, bad actors aim to cast a dark shadow on those very achievements. If South Carolina University’s leadership values their Black students, it’s only right they shut this event down. Our nation’s schools must remain havens for learning, not platforms for hate. It is imperative that the university takes swift action in this matter and protects the campus community from patterns of divisiveness and degradation.”
An online petition led by NAACP youth leaders has gained more than 23,000 signatures (as of publication) in support of canceling the September 18th event. Earlier this week, the NAACP released a statement expressing disappointment at the university’s decision to host the event, stating that NAACP leadership remains “committed to ensuring the student, and broader South Carolina community are protected from hateful rhetoric or actions.”
A full copy of the letter sent to President Amiridis can be found here.
