Hunter
11/12/2024
A conservative commentator’s appearance on the UI campus Monday was met with an enthusiastic crowd and peaceful protest.
The Daily Iowan reports Daily Wire host and author Michael Knowles delivered a lecture entitled “We are So Back: How the Libs Lost Everything. ” Knowles is known for his stances on anti-transgender ideology, criticism of political correctness, and advocacy for traditional marriage.
The event was hosted by the University of Iowa’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter. The group has previously hosted conservative speakers Matt Walsh and Chloe Cole on campus in 2023, each drawing protests outside of the IMU.
About 50 protesters gathered at Hubbard Park, across from the site of the lecture; one of the signs displayed said, “Fascism isn’t the American ideal you think it is.”
The student newspaper said attendees waiting in line voiced support for the protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.
The protest moved to the corner of Madison and Jefferson Street; organizers urged participants to avoid blocking building entrances and exits to avoid arrest. YAF Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan said she coordinated with UI Campus Safety and the threat assessment team ahead of the event due to the planned protest, noting these plans were also communicated to Knowles’ security team.
Attendees leaving the lecture were subjected to protesters chanting “F you fascists;” some of the attendees responded with “F your president.”
Most of the attendees and protesters had cleared the area by 9pm.