Controversial social media pundit Milo Yiannopoulos to speak at Cal Poly
The planned appearance and speech by a controversial, conservative internet and social media pundit at Cal Poly Tuesday night is triggering a range of emotions and responses on and off campus.
Milo Yiannopoulos has made headlines with his recent and ongoing tour of college campuses across the country.
Yiannopoulos is an outspoken, openly gay conservative online and social media pundit who has become a magnet for controversy, conflict and violent protests.
Yiannopoulos has made a name for himself on Twitter and web-based Breitbart News advocating a conservative, right-wing ideology as a self-proclaimed free speech crusader.
His critics say he exploits free speech to advance an agenda of hate, racism, white nationalism and misogyny.
Yiannopoulos will be bringing his message to the Spanos Theater on the Cal Poly Campus Tuesday night.
“He absolutely deserves the right to come on campus and speak”, says Cal Poly student Mindy, “I just don’t agree with what he says.”
“I think it would be interesting to hear him and see people’s reactions”, adds fellow Cal Poly student John.
Protestors are expected to greet Yiannopoulos when he arrives on campus Tuesday night.
“I thing most people have the right to come on campus and speak, I don’t see why not”, John says, “there’s a difference between hate speech and free speech, I don’t know if he crosses that line.”
“I know people are complaining about how he shouldn’t be allowed at all because its causing too much emotional distress”, says Cal Poly student Molly Gaddis, “I think that we’re all big kids now, I think we can handle hearing stuff that we don’t want to hear.”
City of San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon is calling on everyone on and off campus to hold potluck dinners Tuesday night in a peaceful demonstration of protest against Yiannopoulos and his conservative, right-wing views.
“I wonder what would happen if someone throws a racist, misogynistic event and no one shows up”, Harmon says, “maybe that’s more powerful than protesting.”
Yiannopoulos is being hosted by Cal Poly Campus Republicans and not the university.
Cal Poly Police and San Luis Obispo Police are expected to have a high-profile presence for the event at the Spanos Theater Tuesday night.
