LOS ANGELES — Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio host and founder of PragerU, is scheduled to speak at the University of Wyoming Laramie campus this Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Education Auditorium from 6 – 8 p.m. MT. The speech entitled “Why Socialism Makes People Selfish,” was planned after Mr. Prager accepted an invitation from Turning Point USA’s UW chapter, which had successfully lobbied the ASUW (the student government body) for approval.
Now, protest organizers, led by students Carter Henman and ASUW’s director of diversity, Hunter McFarland are warning of “another Milo situation” should Mr. Prager and Turning Point USA continue with the planned event.
The protesters’ Facebook event page originally stated that Dennis Prager, who is Jewish, is “racist, anti-LGBTQ, anti-Women’s rights and anti-Semitic” and contends that students “cannot stay silent as neo-Nazis are welcomed onto our campus and paid to spread hate…” The page, which has recently been updated, now describes Prager as a “racist, homophobic, xenophobic, red-baiting, anti-academic, climate denying, rape apologist…” The original post can be seen here.
Speaking to the Casper Star Tribune, McFarland stated, “Milo was not allowed to speak at the campus…if we get enough people on our side, we can actually prevent [Dennis Prager] from speaking here. And I think that that is honestly a good thing … I don’t want people who spout hate speech on my campus.”
In response, Jessica Leach, Turning Point USA UW Chapter Head, has offered the protesters the opportunity to present an opposing view during a follow-up Q&A session following the speech. So far, at the time of this writing, her invitation has not been accepted.
“This event will take place as planned,” says Prager.
“This is yet another example of the illiberal left’s attempt to shut down free speech on college campuses. Rather than simply choosing not to attend, or offering a dissenting viewpoint in an informed, respectful and courteous manner, their preferred approach is to intimidate and shut down conservative speakers. They’ve even resorted to calling me, a practicing Jew, anti-Semitic and a neo-Nazi.”
“Liberals have always embraced the competition of ideas and believed that if their idea is the best, it will ultimately win the day. But liberalism has essentially died on American campuses – killed by leftists. My belief – in part because of the fact that PragerU has already garnered 500 million views this year – is that over time young Americans will come to understand the threat the left poses to all that is beautiful and good in American life. And that they will see who the real haters and bigots are.”
“I look forward to speaking at the University of Wyoming – and doing so in the same respectful and rational manner I have always spoken. I also look forward to answering every question and challenge students wish to pose. I cannot promise that I will change the mind of every student who comes; I can, however, promise that most students will wonder why anyone at their university called me a bigot and a hater.”
MEDIA NOTE: PragerU’s Founder Dennis Prager, and CEO Marissa Streit are available for interview. Please contact: MediaInquiries@theKcompany.co.
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PragerU, founded by Dennis Prager in 2011, is a not-for-profit organization that helps millions understand the values that shaped America and provides millions of Americans and people around the world with the intellectual ammunition they need to advocate for limited government, individual responsibility and economic freedom. In 2017 alone, PragerU’s videos have received over 550 million views and over 60% of the viewers are under the age of 35. PragerU is a resource for all who value liberty. It is a threat to all those who do not.
Website | www.PragerU.com Twitter | @PragerU
