A benefit speech for women hosted by the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter and the Leadership Institute at University of Washington was interrupted and later canceled after trans activists pulled the fire alarm and smashed a window.
Olivia Krolczyka free-speech advocate who regularly speaks in defense of biological women, was scheduled to deliver her speech titled “Protect Women from Men: The Threat of the Trans Agenda” at Thomson Hall in Washington until the evening descended into chaos.
The gathering of less than 50 people, hosted by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), eventually joined “a group of over 150 dancers and protesters,” the school’s news outlet, The Daily, reported Monday.
ACLU LAWYER CALLS WOMEN ‘NON-TRANSGENDER WOMEN’ DUE TO TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Intersex Pride Parade flag next to the Transgender Pride Parade flag on June 10, 2024 in London, United Kingdom (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
The group continued to bang on the windows of the classroom where Krolczyk’s event was being held, breaking one window. A noise-making device was inserted into the building and a fire alarm was activated, leading to several moments of confusion and the evacuation of the building, despite no apparent fire, shortly afterwards.
The report added that the local police chief confirmed that a fire alarm was activated in the basement of the building.
Fox News Digital contacted the university for comment on the situation. University spokesman Victor Balta issued the following statement in response:
“The University of Washington is committed to the free exchange of ideas and the principles of academic freedom, consistent with the First Amendment of the US Constitution, including those whose views may be considered controversial.
“UW Police leadership spoke with event organizers on Tuesday night a few weeks ago to discuss plans to make it run as smoothly and safely as possible. The student group that invited the speaker unfortunately changed their plans during the day. The group obliged to require the registration of participants before the event and did not fulfill this requirement.”
NYT POLL CONFIRMS MOST DEMOCRATS OPPOSE TRANSGENDER ATHLETES IN WOMEN’S SPORTS
Olivia Krolczyk is an ambassador for the Institute’s Riley Gaines Center for Leadership.
The statement continued, adding: “Responsibility for disrupting last night’s event falls on those whose actions were destructive and damaging, including breaking windows, graffiti on the building and wasting firefighters’ time on a false fire call. Anyone found responsible for the vandalism or property damage will be pursued through legal channels.
“Informed discussion and debate is encouraged on our campus, however, it is clear that presenters and disruptors, in some cases, seek to antagonize each other in ways that provide dramatic content for their social media feeds. A speaker scheduled for Tuesday told the students newspaper that she was ‘thrilled’ the event was closed,” he said, referring to Krolczyk’s comment to The Daily.
OPINION: I WILL NOT SHUT UP ABOUT THE SCARS FROM MY TRANSGENDER EXPERIENCE
“I’m almost excited [about being shut down]I know it sounds weird, but I’m excited because it means we’re doing something right,” she told the news outlet. “We’re telling the truth and they can’t stand it… I’m going to keep preaching the truth because that’s what God wants me to do. “
Krolczyk, who serves as an ambassador for Riley Gaines centera division of the Leadership Institute, which trains young voices to challenge leftist ideas, too took to X share your reaction to the university’s statement. “My real intention for the event was to talk about the protection of women’s sports and freedom of speech,” said the activist, noting that President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order on college campuses to protect free speech.
Third-year student Valerie Marriott, who participated in the protest, told The Daily that the protest was held to “celebrate the trans community” and show that “transphobia will not be tolerated on campus.”
“I think we need to show pride in ourselves … show people that we are not these dangerous, demonized, horrible people,” she added.
Krolczyk expanded in the comments on Fox News Digitalexplaining that the officers had to dress her in their gear to ensure her safety in order to escort her out of the building.
“I am incredibly grateful for the quick thinking and professionalism of the UWPD officers who ensured my safety and the safety of those who were present,” she told Fox Digital.
“I was fully prepared to continue with my presentation – I did not come to Seattle to be silenced. But I respected law enforcement’s recommendation not to continue given the immediate security threat posed by these protesters. This incident raises serious safety concerns for students, speakers and the university community when campuses fail to provide security for the free exchange of ideas. Responsible for disruption and destruction. We are even happy to provide them with video footage of protesters so that justice is served.”
“In today’s culture, it is more important than ever to encourage tolerance of ideas that may challenge the status quo,” she continued. “An awakened culture thrives on silencing dissenting voices, but free speech means protecting the right to hear and discuss viewpoints with which we may disagree. We must confront this growing intolerance and encourage dialogue, not destruction. Academic institutions should lead the way in ensuring that they can all voices are heard—not just those that fit the current cultural narrative.I hope to return to the University of Washington in the future and have this important conversation in a safe and respectful environment.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital has reached out to Krolczyk for comment.
