The Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and President Kevin Guskiewicz released a statement affirming the institution's role in upholding free speech principles and condemning antisemitism an hour before U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is set to speak alongside leftist commentator Hasan Piker at an on-campus rally.
Piker’s appearance at the rally has drawn stiff pushback from centrist Democrats in the week since the campaign announced that he would be joining El-Sayed for rallies at MSU and at the University of Michigan. MSU Hillel, a Jewish student group, said it was “deeply troubled” by the appearance of Piker, who the group characterized as a “known antisemite.”
“As leaders and stewards of MSU, we understand that universities have a role in supporting free speech and encouraging diversity of thought,” the statement from MSU leaders read. “We uphold these principles as foundational to higher education.”
“At the same time, we recognize that recent comments attributed to a speaker coming to campus, who the university did not invite, have caused pain and concern, particularly among members of our Jewish community,” the statement continued. “Antisemitism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and inconsistent with our institutional values and has no place in a community grounded in respect, inclusion and dignity.”
The statement noted that the university would continue to “provide resources, dialogue and education consistent with our values and mission” in order to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
The press release was sent out at 3:34 p.m. on Tuesday. Doors open for the rally at 4 p.m. and the rally begins at 4:30 p.m.
El-Sayed has stood by the decision to rally alongside Piker. El-Sayed told the Associated Press Tuesday that engaging with figures like Piker is essential to bringing disaffected people into political conversations.
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