10/02: In an email addressed to the entire student body, Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs, added additional information on Steven Crowder’s visit to campus Monday.
Neither TCU nor any political group on campus hosted Crowder, he positioned himself on a public sidewalk on a public street and the language he used is protected by the United States Constitution, according to Cavins-Tull.
“For some of the members of our community, it was a day of pain and anguish,” she said in an email. “For others, a day of disappointment that the university failed to remove the source of their pain from the public sidewalk. I want to acknowledge the pain that I saw yesterday and the disappointment that I heard. I also want to acknowledge those who used their voices to oppose to Mr. Crowder and even to criticize the University. Speech is protected for you, too. ”
She praised SGA and other Panhellenic organizations for tabling Tuesday to continue the conversation and to support a campus culture of respect.
“We are a community, and in the marketplace of ideas, the best remedy for bad ideas are good ideas,” said Cavins-Tull. “Let’s keep talking.”
If students are in need of assistance during this time, visit the Counseling Center, Religious and Spiritual Life or Campus Life. Walk-in appointments are welcome at each of the three offices.
This story will continue to be updated as more information is made available to TCU360.
10/02: The day after many on TCU’s campus were upset by the presence of a YouTuber questioning rape culture, the Student Government is having a tabling event to support survivors of sexual violence.
The tabling event will be near the Founders Statue from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We must come together to show our community that we are dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence and that their voice matters on our campus,” the Student Government Association Cabinet said in a statement.
TCU released a statement on Twitter Monday explaining that Crowder was allowed to be on campus because he was on a public sidewalk and the university does not condone his beliefs.
— TCU (@TCU) October 1, 2018
10/01: The culture wars came to TCU Monday when a YouTuber set up a table along University Dr. and questioned the idea of rape culture.
And here we go. Rape Culture is a Myth #ChangeMyMind pic.twitter.com/qXHbay3yOQ
— Steven Crowder (@scrowder) October 1, 2018
Steven Crowder, who last week was defending Brett Kavanaugh, sat with a microphone as students discussed the merits.
Last semester he was here debating male privilege.
He is on public property. TCU did not invite him on campus, nor do we endorse him.
— TCU (@TCU) October 1, 2018
He brought a cloud of ignorance to our campus, enticing our students to start needless debates that had potential to quickly escalate. His message was also incredibly disrespectful to those who have been a victim of this senseless crime.
— madison (@frantic_momo) October 1, 2018
Allowing a man to say that Rape Culture is a myth when there are several victims of sexual assault on campus is unacceptable @TCU
GET THIS MAN OFF OUR CAMPUS NOW— maia (@MaiaGunn) October 1, 2018
He isnt saying that rape is a myth, he is saying that rape culture which is what someone on campus brought up in his last change my mind at tcu. She said that the campus allows this ‘culture’ without punishment. But the man wasnt convicted because the victim refused to testify. https://t.co/Ven03OuEPw
— Jaylen ? (@jaylen_stoll) October 1, 2018
@TCU allowing Steven Crowder back on campus to claim that rape culture is a myth has served to invalidate the experiences of survivors of sexual assault on campus. This is disgusting and your students do not support this misogyny. #WeSupportSurvivors
— dev (@devinmkaiserr) October 1, 2018
Thing is… freedom of speech is just not speech you disagree with. A community that encourages free thought and expression should engage and debate things that matter. Excluding voices only furthers one’s intellectual silo. You dont have to agree. @TCU
— Phil D (@MedicPhilD) October 1, 2018
Want to talk? Tweet us your thoughts @TCU360.
