UB statement on Ben Shapiro’s visit at the invitation of the student chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom

Ben Shapiro’s scheduled appearance at UB is at the invitation of the student chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom, which is the event’s sponsor and host. Student government-sponsored clubs at UB have the ability to invite speakers of their choosing to the university and must follow university guidelines and state laws concerning the exhibition and management of public events on campus.

As a public university, it is a fundamental value of UB that all members of the campus community and invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether the university or others disagree with those expressions. Exploring diverse points of view and engaging in open discussion are core principles upheld at UB. Additionally, under the First Amendment, UB cannot censor the opinions of speakers or prohibit speakers from visiting campus based on their political viewpoints.

The opinions expressed by speakers invited to campus do not represent UB or its community. At UB, we are committed to upholding the principles of mutual respect, diversity and inclusion as core values of our university.