Identity of Speakers
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Uncensored America
Unaffiliated
OtherA "nonpartisan" student organization with the mission of advocating for free speech on college campuses. The organization aims to foster open dialogue by hosting events featuring controversial speakers and engaging in discussions that challenge prevailing campus norms.
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Recognized student group event
Lawsuit
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Right wing -
Incident Responses:
Litigation
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Incident Status:
In litigation Federal District Court
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
In September 2024, the student organization Uncensored America at the University of South Carolina requested $3,576.99 in student activity funding to host a “roast” event focused on Vice President Kamala Harris, featuring speakers Milo Yiannopoulos and Gavin McInnes. On September 11, the Student Senate voted 27–10 to deny the funding. The group alleged the decision was based on disagreement with the event’s viewpoint.
Despite the denial, the event proceeded on September 18 in the university’s Russell House Ballroom. On the same day, Uncensored America filed a federal lawsuit against the university and certain administrators in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, alleging violations of the First Amendment and viewpoint discrimination in the allocation of student activity fees.
On September 25, the Student Senate reversed its position and approved the requested funding in executive session. Although the funding was ultimately granted, the lawsuit remains active. The plaintiffs continue to seek declaratory relief, damages, and attorneys’ fees, asserting that the initial denial caused harm that was not remedied by the subsequent reversal.
