The University of Montevallo has canceled the Turning Point USA "Pick Up the Mic" event featuring Bryan Dawson, founder and CEO of 1819 News, citing "security concerns," including plans for a campus walkout and threats against Dawson's safety.
A notice of the cancellation of the event originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon was sent midday on Tuesday.
"Pick up the Mic" events feature interactive discussions with a featured guest and any student who chooses to participate. The events began happening on college campuses around the nation as a way to honor the life and legacy of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk following his assassination.
"I'm absolutely disgusted by the cancellation of the TPUSA event at Montevallo. While I was the one threatened, I wasn't backing down. The pursuit of truth at Alabama colleges is too important. Yet, because leftist students raised a stink and the administrators were ideologically sympathetic, the university paid the Danegeld by cancelling," Dawson said in response to news of the cancellation. "Montevallo is feeding the left what they want; we will be Minneapolis if we keep caving to these college radicals. I urge alumni of Montevallo to reach out to the administration and let them know what you think."
1819 News spoke with Jacob Lawrence of Turning Point USA, who said that while he is frustrated, he is also hopeful the event will be rescheduled to a future date.
"Obviously, we wish the event had gone on. We believe that the Pick up the Mic initiative events are important for the campus in the open discussion of dialogues. We don't condone threats of violence, and we think it's very counterproductive," Lawrence said.
"For college campuses, campuses are spheres and the public square of ideas for college students. The fact that we had to reschedule an event due to threats of violence, it is just unhelpful for society," he continued.
The cancellation followed the announcement of increased security measures sent to students via a campuswide email on February 4.
"Recent student concerns related to an upcoming guest speaker, Kenneth Bryan Dawson, invited by a student organization have been brought to the attention of University administration. The administration cares deeply about the safety and well-being of all students. In response to students’ concerns about campus safety, extra security measures and personnel are in place for this event. No student is compelled to attend the event and those who have concerns about their safety are encouraged to avoid the event. All campus facilities will remain accessible during this event.
The University supports freedom of expression and all students expressing their rights granted by the First Amendment and state of Alabama law. Free speech on college campuses is fundamental to openness, allowing students to hear diverse viewpoints and explore the world through new lenses. This diversity of thought enriches students' minds, helping them develop the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in a complex society. A free exchange of ideas includes extending that freedom to all, including those with whom we might disagree."
The officials changed course, alerting TPUSA's Montevallo president Ashlei Piazza during a meeting just before another campuswide email was sent.
"Due to the increased publicity surrounding this event, the University of Montevallo is evaluating campus safety and security measures to keep all students, faculty, staff and guests safe at events hosted by student organizations. UMPD has reassessed campus security measures for this particular event and the University has decided to reschedule the event at a time and location conducive to providing additional safety and security precautions."
1819 News has reached out to the university for additional comments.
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