We are united in our opposition to the program of elitism, white supremacy, and misogyny represented by Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and the UConn TPUSA chapter’s decision to invite them. As Muslims, Jews, undocumented students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, working people, and students of color, we stand resolutely opposed to the ideas and principles espoused by Kirk and Owens. We find it especially inappropriate to invite the two in the wake of the Christchurch massacre of our Muslim siblings in New Zealand. The murderer was inspired by Owens specifically and the general ideology of Kirk and his organization.
At the same time, we understand that the university administration is incapable of providing a positive solution to these problems. Giving them more authority to regulate student groups has only made it more difficult to organize for social justice. We take seriously the threat that increased policing of student organizations has to bringing in speakers who are undocumented, formerly incarcerated, Palestinian, and other people whose circumstances of life make them political targets. Many of us have experienced these difficulties first-hand.
Together, we are holding rally to voice our opposition to the ideas of Owens and Kirk. It will also be an affirmation of our commitment to protecting our own rights to free speech, expression, and organization. We are standing united for a program of full rights for immigrants, undocumented and documented; LGBTQIA+ communities; students of color; and all working and oppressed people. Concretely, we support increasing funding and expanding the activities of all cultural centers, cultural studies programs, and affirmative action on campus.
Please join us on April 9th, 6:00 P.M. at Castleman Room 212 for a rally and consider becoming a co-signer.
Signed:
UConn Muslim Students Association,
UConn Students for Justice in Palestine,
UConn Bangladeshi Student Association,
UConn Revolution Against Rape,
UConn Young Democratic Socialists,
UConn Youth for Socialist Action,
UConn Stamford Young Democratic Socialists,
UConn Campus Antifascist Network
