The University of Washington is facing accusations that it failed to prevent “disruption” by protesters on campus after leftists violently shut down a conservative event.

Rioters pulled campus fire alarms on Tuesday, smashed windows and interrupted speakers critical of transgenderism by writing on buildings and other tactics. This follows similarly destructive actions against conservatives and officials at public universities. Batra says he is “committed to the principles of the free exchange of ideas and academic freedom in accordance with the First Amendment.”

“If that were true, the university would take action against these…violent protesters,” UW science professor Cliff Mass told DCNF in an interview. “They just aren’t doing it.” criticized Last May, the university said “cave” to anti-Israel protesters by agreeing to “cave” waive tuition fees For 20 students and other requests illegal Protest encampment on campus.

“It’s pretty much the same thing,” Mas said of the actions of protesters who shut down Tuesday’s event.

Olivia Krolczyk, an activist with the Leadership Institute, hosted an event indoors at the conservative group Turning Point USA. Posted Footage of protesters banging on doors and setting off noise devices. She canceled the event due to security concerns and wore protective equipment provided by police while they escorted her away from campus.

Here’s a little bit from last night. pic.twitter.com/vpusd0uuwg

– Olivia Krolczyk (@oliviakrolczyk_) January 22, 2025

UW’s Barta said the blame for Tuesday’s incident rests with protesters as well as Krolczyk, whose “actions were destructive and damaging.”

“While informed discussion and debate is encouraged on our campus, presenters and disruptors are, in some cases, attempting to antagonize each other in ways that provide dramatic content to social media feeds. is clear,” Barta said.

“Tuesday’s scheduled speakers told the student newspaper that they were ‘thrilled’ that the event was closed,” Barta said. Spokesperson referred to a quotation Krolczyk said he’s “almost excited” because the backlash to the event “means we’re doing the right thing.”

Multiple tense encounters at UW stem from Backlash to Turning Point USA. Group UW Chapter I filmed the interaction In April 2023, he flipped a table with a transgender critic and yelled a “Nazi” slur at the host. Protesters wear black when Turning Point activist Jonathan Cho goes filming at an anti-Israel encampment last May chased him and beat his personal guard until his face bled. The university said it would investigate but did not report an arrest of the attacker.

anti-Israel protesters too interruption Komo News reported that a UW committee meeting in September was held by a Jewish speaker who shouted chants, prompting chairs to postpone the meeting. (RELATED: ‘They want our people dead’: Jewish students shed tears as Prohama demonstrations take place on campus)

Turning Point USA called Tuesday’s incident “a clear attack on free speech.”

“While the university claims to support the First Amendment, its failure to ensure a safe environment for open dialogue tells a different story,” the organization said in an email. “It is time for universities to respect stated values ​​and protect the right of all students to engage in discourse that is disrespectful, rather than holding speakers accountable.”

Barta, the UW spokesperson, told DCNF that while “the situation is complex,” “this type of disruption is unacceptable and the ultimate responsibility rests with those who tried to shut down the event.” Ta.

“We absolutely condemn anyone who seeks to disrupt the right of others to speak. We will pursue disciplinary action if anyone is identified as having committed a crime,” he said. . “We regularly review processes and opportunities to make them run smoother and safer after events such as Tuesday.”

Mass called UW’s accusations against Krolczyk ‘very unfair,’ another UW professor came to her defense Wednesday at X

“The responsible thing to do is to show humility, apologize, kindly invite your back, address the root cause of the mess, and do better next time,” said astronomy professor Mario Juric. “Instead , between the lines, publishes a statement that reads, “Well…she had it coming, she shouldn’t let it go.” [too] many. ‘”

“Yesterday may have been due to lack of preparation, but this is really difficult to interpret as coming in good faith,” Yuric said.

Tuesday’s chaos, one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, mirrors the uproar over an event at the UW by right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos on Trump’s previous inauguration day in January 2017. appeared went to campus and got into a scuffle with a Trump supporter that involved fistfights, throwing paint bombs and rocks, and a Trump supporter shooting an antifa protester in self-defense, nearly killing him. .

The Anna Mari course is from UW. president Since 2015 and last June, she announced plans to step down in 2025, but there was no indication that this was in response to complaints about the encampment.

“My hope is that the next president of the University of Washington will take a more balanced view of free speech,” said Professor Mass.

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