UB statement on Thursday evening’s student-hosted event in Slee Hall

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Thursday evening’s speaking event hosted by the UB student chapter of Young Americans for Freedom with political commentator Michael Knowles concluded without major incident.

“We are proud of the way our campus exhibited the values we hold as a university, exercising its right to peacefully express its views,” said Brian F. Hamluk, vice president for student life. “Despite being confronted with hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric, the UB community reaffirmed our university’s commitment to ideals of inclusion, justice and equity for our trans community, and for all who are marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed.”

As President Tripathi stated on Tuesday, “Our university thrives because of our diversity. We are defined not by a single event, but by the culture of respect and tolerance that we have deliberately cultivated in our words, deeds and practices for decades. Long after this visitor has left campus, our ongoing concerted efforts toward social justice will continue.”

University Police made one arrest outside of Slee Hall, where protestors had gathered before the start of the event. A 25-year-old from Buffalo, unaffiliated with the university, was charged with harassment, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

During Knowles’ remarks, two audience members were escorted out of Slee Hall by UB Police for continuing to disrupt the speaker. There were no charges.