Julie Bindel and Milo Yiannopoulos both identify as LGBT, and have been banned from many universities in the United Kingdom, where thy are from. Bindel and Yiannopoulos championed their anti-feminist views at the University of Michigan on Tuesday in their speech, “Does Feminism Have a Free Speech Problem?”
Fortunately, the university had no problem holding the event. In an e-mail exchange with the Michigan Daily, university spokesman Rick Fitzgerald spoke of freedom of speech. “The university feels so strongly about this topic that our commitment is codified in an official policy, called a Standard Practice Guide,” he said.
The Spectrum Center at the school was not as excited about the event. Disregarding how both speakers affiliate as LGBT, the center released a statement about a safe space during the event, with original emphasis:
Seeing such a need to warn students against “rhetoric” which is “incredibly harmful,” rather than making the decision for themselves whether or not to attend coddles students. Worse, it also focuses on coddling a certain demographic, as inferred by mentioning “many members of our campus community.” Are those students less mature or less capable of hearing views counter to their own?
The event, hosted by the Michigan Review, and attended by several hundred students, seemed to go on as a typical college campus event would. Michigan Daily also spoke with those who were shocked at the Spectrum Center’s decision:
Bindel and Yiannopoulos spoke on the dangers of feminism, the wage gap, and affirmative actions. Students survived. Some even applauded Bindel’s actions. The Michigan Review also spoke with a student, who, rather than protect herself from views she disagrees with, went to see what it was all about:
“Mainly I just wanted to hear what he had to say and why he believes the things he does,” Scott said.
The event featured an open mic, where students could share there thoughts and ask questions. One student tried to confront Yiannopoulos directly by climbing onto the stage, which prompted several students to chant Donald Trump’s name. As mentioned, it was a typical exciting college campus event.
