Student activists at Clemson University announced on Monday that they will be protesting an upcoming “Back the Blue” event. The “Back the Blue” rally is being held at Littlejohn Coliseum and features speaker’s Tomi Lahren and Brandon Tatum. The rally was organized by Clemson’s chapter of Turning Point USA.
Several organizations, including Clemson College Democrats, announced through social media that there will be a protest on April 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. outside of Littlejohn. They are not protesting Tomi Lahren or any members of Turning Point, but instead are against the message of the “Back the Blue” rally.
Clemson College Democrats believe that the event, which was allowed to be on campus by the university, is another instance of Clemson failing to protect and support BIPOC students and members of the community. While the Madren Center was a small venue off campus, Littlejohn Coliseum is both the school’s basketball arena and current COVID-19 testing site.
A coalition formed to organize the protest released an official statement on Wednesday. “This is not about politics or Tomi Lahren. It goes deeper than that,” said the statement. “This is about the rhetoric that has been spewed from figures that are hurtful or harmful to your Clemson students.”
They are even more upset considering other COVID-19 cancellations. “We experience daily microaggressions by this university and it hurts to acknowledge events such as this to be held on campus and not ring ceremonies or graduations.”
Tyler McDougald is a junior English and history major, as well as an outspoken advocate for campus diversity. He is also the former chair of the CUSG Senate’s Inclusion and Equity Committee.
“We can’t prevent what speech comes to our university,” said McDougald. “We can demonstrate, loud & clear, what we find unacceptable. It’s time for us to decide what Clemson stands for, who Clemson serves, and what our future looks like.”
Lauren Spottz is the president of Clemson’s chapter of TPUSA.
“I am happy to see college students getting involved in politics and taking a stance,” said Spottz. “Unfortunately, I think many of the students won’t take the time to do their own research and make their own conclusions about the speakers at our event before jumping in on a protest, but I guess at least it’s a start.”
Organizers hope that protesters will join the event after the protest, despite their differing views.
“I encourage all of the protesters to reserve a ticket and come in after they have finished outside,” said Spottz. “There will be the opportunity for some to ask questions, and perhaps they will learn a little more than what the graphics they like to re-post on Instagram will teach them. If nothing else, they’ll have a better idea of what we truly believe and can feel confident that they’re making their own decisions and not just going off what the mainstream media tells them to think.”
The event will begin at 5 p.m. outside of Littlejohn Coliseum. Thursday will be warm, so protestors are encouraged to bring water. Masks will be required to participate.
