News analysis: Berkeley’s ‘Free Speech Week’ goes out with a whimper
The last rally for “Free Speech Week,” was uneventful. The 11 rallies in Berkeley since February, however, have catapulted some protesters to national prominence.
The last rally for “Free Speech Week,” was uneventful. The 11 rallies in Berkeley since February, however, have catapulted some protesters to national prominence.
In the aftermath of Milo Yiannopoulos’s appearance at UC Berkeley, groups of right-wing protesters have been harassing Revolution Books.
A right-wing rally and march and counterprotest at UC Berkeley on Tuesday afternoon ended with three arrests.
After student group the Berkeley Patriot withdrew its support for “Free Speech Week,” Yiannopoulos came to campus Sunday anyway, but only spoke to a crowd of 100.
UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof and UC Berkeley Police Chief Margo Bennett gave a brief statement to the media on Sunday afternoon.
Berkeleyside reporters and photographers were on scene at Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way prior for a protest and appearance by Milo Yiannopoulos and supporters.
In an interview with Berkeleyside, the provocateur seemed calm and ready to march through campus to confront his opponents.
Milo Yiannopoulos said Saturday morning he would share news “in an emergency Facebook Live press conference shortly.”
The student group that had hoped to bring four days of speakers to the Cal campus has withdrawn its support for the event.
A representative for the student group denied cancellation rumors, but uncertainty still surrounds the events.
The firebrands are on the list of potential “Free Speech Week” speakers, though they and many others are still unconfirmed.
The student group was behind a number of controversial events at UC Berkeley this year. What influence does it have on campus and beyond?
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