Columbia, S.C. University Faces Backlash Over Planned Comedy Roast of Vice President Kamala Harris

Columbia, S.C. Faces Controversy Over Upcoming Comedy Roast

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, an event at the University of South Carolina (USC) is stirring up quite the buzz, attracting both support and opposition from around the nation. The student organization, Uncensored America, plans to host a comedy roast of Vice President Kamala Harris on September 18 at 7 p.m. in the Russell House Ballroom. This event aims to celebrate free speech, but the line between comedy and controversy seems to be easily blurred in this case.

What’s On the Agenda?

Uncensored America describes itself as a non-partisan group dedicated to upholding the values of free speech. Marketing for the roast highlights that notable figures like Milo Yiannopoulos, a well-known political commentator, and Gavin McInnes, who founded the Proud Boys, are slated to speak during the roast. In a recent chat, McInnes opened up about what attendees can expect. “This won’t exactly be like the classic roast you see on Comedy Central,” he remarked, “We’re simply going to poke fun at what could be the worst president in American history.”

Voices of Opposition

The event has not gone unnoticed, catching the attention of various public figures and organizations, especially alumni and other student bodies. The NAACP has stepped in, urging USC leadership to cancel the roast, claiming, “if South Carolina University’s leadership values their Black students, it’s only right they shut this event down.” There are also voices from the community pushing back, advocating for a cancelation despite the school’s affirmation of students’ First Amendment rights.

A petition to halt the roast gained traction, stating that hosting such an event contradicts the Carolina Creed, hinting that it promotes racism, homophobia, and sexism within a productive space meant for all students. This kind of backlash points to broader discussions about what free speech means in today’s society, especially within academic settings.

The Government Gets Involved

The controversy didn’t just stay confined to the campus. During a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was prompted for an official stance on the situation. “I’m not going to dive into the event,” she replied, “but we’re incredibly proud to have the Vice President as our Vice President, along with the significant work she has conducted alongside the President over the last three and a half years.”

State Senator Tameika Isaac-Devine weighed in on the subject as well, reaching out through an open letter to the university. “I am encouraging the university to organize an alternative event that combines diverse groups against this roast and turns the spotlight elsewhere,” Isaac-Devine stated in an interview. “The approach should be to silence the hateful rhetoric rather than offer a platform for it.” She elaborated on how South Carolina is one of just two states lacking hate crime legislation, suggesting this could serve as a significant opportunity for fostering dialogue around diversity.

The University’s Standpoint

In response to the mounting public pressure, USC issued a statement emphasizing the students’ rights under the First Amendment, even when opinions expressed may offend others. University President Michael Amiridis stated that limiting free speech—even if it comes from those whose views are considered “hateful”—does not provide a viable solution to the societal issues at hand.

Amiridis quoted Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, asserting that the best way to combat offensive speech is with “more speech, not enforced silence.” The statement also acknowledged the “troubling and offensive things” that the speakers have said, while reiterating the university’s condemnation of hate and bigotry.

What’s Next?

As anticipation builds for September 18, many in Columbia and beyond are deeply invested in seeing how this drama will unfold. Will the roast go on as planned, or will the voices of dissent be loud enough to change the course? Only time will tell as the university now balances the act of upholding free speech while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all its students.