Lana Oconnell
Boston University students protested Ben Shapiro's visit to their campus in 2019, with some labelling him a racist, sexist, anti-gay speaker who engages in hate speech. Shapiro, a conservative commentator, podcaster, and editor-in-chief of the far-right Daily Wire, was invited by a conservative student group. While some students welcomed the event, others criticized the university for funding the speech and providing security, which cost an estimated $13,000. The protest was sparked by the title of Shapiro's speech, America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom, with students arguing that BU was becoming an unsafe space for marginalized students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for protest | Students protested against Ben Shapiro's views on slavery, his history of racist, sexist, and anti-gay comments, and his calls for ethnic cleansing. |
| Date | November 13, 2019 |
| Number of protesters | Estimates vary from 12 to 200 protesters, with some sources stating hundreds |
| Location | Boston University's Track and Tennis Center |
| Groups involved | BU Social Workers for Justice, Students Against Hate Speech, No Hate BU, Young Americans for Freedom |
| Response from the University | Boston University agreed to pay $12,700-$13,000 for security costs, stating they want to protect the safety of their students. |
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What You'll Learn
- Students protested the university's decision to fund the event
- Protestors believed Shapiro engages in hate speech
- Shapiro's speech was titled America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom
- Shapiro's views on slavery were seen as offensive
- Shapiro's presence endangered non-white, LGBTQ+ and women students
Students protested the university's decision to fund the event
Students at Boston University protested the university's decision to fund Ben Shapiro's event. The university agreed to pay $12,700 for "security costs", despite initially asking the hosting group, Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), to cover these expenses. The total cost of security for the event was estimated to be $13,000.
Students expressed their anger at the university's decision to allocate their money towards funding the police presence at the event. One student, Melissa Hurtado, a senior studying archaeology, voiced her frustration, stating, "I can't believe they're using my money to fund the cops that are doing nothing. Our money is doing nothing right now. I'm really upset at BU for not listening to us. Look at how many people are out there."
The protest was sparked by the title of Ben Shapiro's speech, "America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom," which many students considered to be racist, intolerant, and factually incorrect. They believed that the university was supporting and funding a speaker who engaged in hate speech, incited violence, and promoted discrimination against marginalised groups, including non-white people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Some students and alumni supported Ben Shapiro's right to freedom of speech and encouraged others to attend the event, take advantage of the open mic opportunity, and engage in respectful debate. They believed that protesting the event was an overreaction and a sign of narrow-mindedness influenced by liberal media and educational institutions.
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Protestors believed Shapiro engages in hate speech
Protestors believed Ben Shapiro engages in hate speech. One student, Victoria Reich, a former BU student, held a sign that read "History Will Show", and commented:
> I really support freedom of speech, and I think it is really important for everyone on the political spectrum to speak up on their beliefs, but it's another thing to invite... a person who engages in hate speech.
The protest was organised by a group called "No Hate BU", and the stated purpose of the rally was to tell the university they wanted Ben Shapiro uninvited from the school. The group planned a sit-in for October 28th. The protest was sparked by the title of Shapiro's speech, "America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom".
Shapiro's speech was arranged by a conservative BU student group and protested by some 200 students who marched in silent solidarity. Shapiro is a conservative firebrand, editor-in-chief of the far-right Daily Wire news website, a former Breitbart editor, and host of The Ben Shapiro Show podcast. Students broke out into chants, including "Racist, sexist, anti-gay! Ben Shapiro, go away!".
Some students disagreed with the protest, stating that Shapiro is not a hateful person and is always respectful of others, whatever their opinion. One student commented:
> I can’t understand why anyone would be afraid of Ben Shapiro… He is not violent or hateful and he is always respectful of others whatever their opinion.
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Shapiro's speech was titled America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom
The title of Ben Shapiro's speech at Boston University, "America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom", sparked protests from students. The controversial conservative commentator and podcaster is known for his far-right views and has been accused of hate speech, inciting violence, and discrimination against marginalised groups, including non-white people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Shapiro's speech at BU was organised by a conservative student group, and while it drew a large audience, it also sparked protests from students and alumni alike. Around 200 students marched in silent solidarity, with some voicing their opposition through chants and open mic soliloquies. They criticised the university for funding the event, which cost an estimated $13,000 in security, and for providing a platform for Shapiro's views.
Shapiro's speech focused on the legacy of slavery in America. While he acknowledged the horrors of slavery and the evils of Jim Crow laws, he rejected the idea that "every single problem in America today is based on slavery". Shapiro emphasised that freedom is what makes America unique, not slavery.
The protests against Shapiro's presence at BU were not isolated incidents. In the lead-up to his lecture, left-leaning student groups organised rallies and demonstrations to urge the university to de-platform Shapiro, citing his history of controversial statements and tweets, such as "Transgenderism is a mental disorder" and "Israelis like to build. Arabs like to bomb crap and live in open sewage".
Despite the protests, some students and commentators defended Shapiro's right to speak at the university, arguing that he is not hateful or violent and welcomes debate. They criticised the protesters for being close-minded and resistant to hearing opposing viewpoints.
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Shapiro's views on slavery were seen as offensive
Boston University students protested Ben Shapiro's visit to their campus due to his views on slavery, which many found offensive. Shapiro's lecture was titled "America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom", which sparked outrage among the students, who believed that this statement was factually incorrect and offensive.
Shapiro, a conservative commentator and podcaster, is known for his controversial views and has been accused of hate speech and inciting violence and discrimination against marginalised communities, particularly people of colour, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. In his lecture at Boston University, Shapiro acknowledged the horrors of slavery and the evils of Jim Crow laws. However, he derided the idea that "every single problem in America today is based on slavery". He questioned whether issues such as high murder rates among teenagers in Chicago were a result of slavery. Shapiro's comments implied that the legacy of slavery was not a significant factor in contemporary social issues, which many students found offensive and inaccurate.
The protest against Shapiro's visit was led by students of colour, who felt that the university was endangering and failing to protect them by hosting Shapiro. They were joined by other student groups, such as BU Social Workers for Justice and Students Against Hate Speech, as well as some professors. Chants of "Racist, sexist, anti-gay! Ben Shapiro, go away!" were heard during the protest.
While some students and commentators criticised Boston University for hosting Shapiro, others defended his presence on campus, arguing that hearing differing viewpoints is an essential part of university life and intellectual growth. They emphasised that Shapiro welcomes debate and respects those who disagree with him.
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Shapiro's presence endangered non-white, LGBTQ+ and women students
Boston University students protested Ben Shapiro's presence on campus, arguing that his presence endangered non-white, LGBTQ+, and women students. Shapiro, a conservative commentator, has been accused of hate speech, inciting violence, and discrimination against these communities.
Shapiro's lecture at BU, titled "America was not built on slavery, it was built on freedom," sparked particular outrage among students who believed the title dismissed the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on marginalized communities. Protesters argued that BU was "not designed" for marginalized students by hosting Shapiro.
The presence of Ben Shapiro on the Boston University campus was seen as a threat to the safety and well-being of non-white, LGBTQ+, and women students. Protesters highlighted Shapiro's history of controversial statements, such as his tweet claiming that "transgenderism is a mental disorder" and his comments about Arabs, which many deemed offensive and discriminatory.
Additionally, students criticized Boston University for funding the event and its security costs, estimated at \$13,000. They believed that their money was being used to support a speaker who promoted intolerant and hateful ideologies. The university's decision to host Shapiro and cover these expenses was viewed as a betrayal of their values and a failure to protect and respect marginalized students on campus.
While some students and commentators defended Shapiro's right to free speech and his willingness to engage in debate, protesters argued that Shapiro's presence created an unsafe environment for vulnerable members of the BU community. They asserted that his history of controversial statements and alleged hate speech made him a dangerous figure, endangering the well-being and sense of belonging of specific student groups.
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Frequently asked questions
Students at Boston University protested Ben Shapiro's visit to the university, citing his history of hate speech, including racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Protestors marched in silence, held signs, and chanted "Racist, sexist, anti-gay! Ben Shapiro, go away!". They also hosted open mic sessions and circulated statements on social media.
Boston University agreed with the hosting group, Young Americans for Freedom, to pay $12,700 for security costs, citing the need to protect the safety of their students.
Ben Shapiro allowed those who disagreed with him to ask questions and challenge his point of view during his talk. He has also stated that he welcomes debate and is respectful of others, regardless of their opinions.
