Protesters gather at speaking event featuring anti-trans activists at UW
SEATTLE - Roughly 150 protesters voiced their opposition outside an event hosting two conservative and anti-trans activists at the University of Washington.
Tuesday night's event featured Riley Gaines Barker and Olivia Krolczyk, who are both vocal against transgender women athletes competing with cisgender women athletes in sporting events.
Most of the protest involved chanting and dancing throughout the evening, but there were some tense moments, with police ripping a trans flag from protesters and protesters harassing attendees who left the Turning Point USA event.
(FOX 13 Seattle)
What they're saying:
"I knew tonight there was a protest down here for [Riley Gaines Barker] speaking, and I'm all pro listening to her speak," said Lisa Olson.
Olson says she came down to UW's Ethnic Cultural Theatre to support the speakers and to counter the event's protesters.
"I feel like it's suppression of speech when a group doesn't want somebody to speak," said Olson. "I want to hear what they have to say and want them to be able to allow us to hear what Riley has to say."
The other side:
While there was a large security presence guarding the event, the opposition across the street had a bigger turnout.
"It's disappointing to see people harbor so much hatred and disdain for their fellow citizens and fellow humans out here at the school spreading their hate," said Elayne Wylie.
Wylie describes herself as a proud UW alum and says she was inspired by the turnout.
"It is really encouraging to see [protesters] behind me come out and demonstrate their first amendment rights to come and protest that and say listen, we may be a small contingent of society, but we are powerful. We deserve recognition. We deserve to live our most authentic lives," said Wylie.
A spokesperson for the University of Washington sent this statement to FOX 13 Seattle:
"TPUSA has agreed to advance registration for attendees and not allowing bags into the event. TPUSA also agreed to a no in/out policy for attendees. The presenters are planning to bring their own security detail in addition to the uniformed security and law enforcement UW will have present to ensure safety for all. The University of Washington is committed to the free exchange of ideas and the principles of academic freedom, in accordance with the University’s mission and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Registered Student Organizations frequently invite speakers to campus for events. The safety and security of our campus community, including visitors to events, are top priorities. Anyone identified as having violated the law, the student code of conduct or the general code of conduct will be held accountable."
The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle conversations with supporters and protesters and a statement from the University of Washington.
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