Assault and Nazi salutes at Myron Gaines event spark questions about free speech and campus safety
On Jan. 15, participants at a debate event hosted by far-right influencer Myron Gaines and Uncensored America’s chapter at the University of Michigan were photographed performing Nazi salutes on the Diag. Uncensored America is a nonprofit that describes itself as dedicated to free speech. The group obtained a permit from University administration to hold the event, renewing debate over how the institution applies its free speech policies amid ongoing concerns about student safety and discrimination.
Gaines sat on the Diag for several hours to debate students on topics such as the killing of Renee Good, gender ideology and the Holocaust. During the event, Gaines made statements calling into question the scope of the Holocaust and performed a Nazi salute, after which dozens of audience members mimicked the gesture.
The Diag is considered a public forum under the Use of University of Michigan Facilities Standard Practice Guide, which governs conduct for University spaces. Facilities may be denied if the event violates the law or University protocols, disrupts University activities, obstructs traffic or fails to cooperate with Division of Public Safety & Security officers.
Center for Campus Involvement staff and University of Michigan Police Department officers were stationed on the periphery of the Diag. In an email to The Michigan Daily, University spokesperson Kay Jarvis wrote an arrest was made during the event for an assault.
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