Columbia Shaken by Controversial Roast of Vice President Kamala Harris
On a cool Wednesday night in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina’s Russell House was anything but its usual lively self. This normally bustling student union, filled with undergraduates clutching textbooks and Chick-Fil-A bags, appeared transformed as a heavy presence of state and local law enforcement officers patrolled the area. Metal barricades were seen lining the entrances, forcing attendees to navigate a winding path to the entrance. The atmosphere was tense, gearing up for a controversial event: a “roast” aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris.
Hosted by a student group called Uncensored America, the event featured controversial figures Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos, both known for their history of inflammatory and hateful speech. McInnes, notable for his connection to the Proud Boys—a group labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center—was joined by Yiannopoulos, a right-wing media personality often criticized for his offensive remarks. It was set to be a night that stirred up quite a debate on free speech and hate speech on campus.
A Divided Campus
As the clock approached 7 p.m., students and community members began to fill the Russell House ballroom. The crowd was a blend of support and protest. Some attendees wore campaign gear supporting former President Donald Trump, while others proudly adorned shirts expressing solidarity with Palestine. Just as the event began at around 8:30 p.m., the room was bustling with close to 180 participants, not including media and law enforcement in attendance.
But as McInnes took the stage, it quickly became clear that not everyone agreed with what was about to unfold. Hecklers from the crowd directed both insults and cheers his way, and it wasn’t long before some angry students walked out, declaring, “Get a f—— life!” By the time Yiannopoulos wrapped up his performance around 10 p.m., the room had thinned considerably to about half its capacity. The atmosphere was charged with mixed emotions.
Responding to Criticism
The event did not go unnoticed by university leaders, local government, and various civic groups. There was considerable backlash against the decision to host such individuals. The student senate had previously denied Uncensored America $3,500 in funding for the event, leading the group to announce its intention to sue the university. In contrast, USC leaders swiftly organized an alternative gathering just a few blocks away at the athletic fields next to the Sol Blatt physical education building, focusing on community-building rather than division.
Many attendees expressed strong opinions about the roast. As former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Trav Robertson, noted, the event was “wholly inappropriate.” Outside, a group of around 30 demonstrators hoisted signs like “Make Fascists Afraid” while politely engaging with students passing by. Demonstrator Enid, a cybersecurity professional, expressed her concern, saying, “I have a great affinity for the city… especially for the LGBTQ community, who are being directly targeted by those individuals.”
Emphasizing Unity and Respect
On the flip side, the alternative event—dubbed “Blatt Bonanza”—was a hit, attracting over 1,500 students that night. With free food, a DJ, and fun activities like inflatable obstacle courses, it provided a safe space for students to enjoy themselves without the backdrop of hate speech that had unfolded at Russell House. Will Dorrah, president of the Residence Hall Association, noted that such gatherings reflect the core values of the university—unity and a commitment to the community.
Despite the friction, USC President Michael Amiridis and board chair Thad Westbrook stood by the decision to allow the roast, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the First Amendment rights of students, even when opinions may be offensive. They pointed out that censoring hate speech doesn’t address the real issues facing society.
As Columbia buzzes with activities, the discussions surrounding Wednesday’s “roast” are far from over. With strong opinions on both sides, it’s clear that many USC students are eager to have these tough conversations while upholding the university’s mission to foster a respectful and engaged student body.
