The South Carolina Democratic Party recognizes the constitutional importance of free speech and the protections afforded by the First and Fourteenth Amendments, even for deeply offensive speech. However, while we acknowledge these protections, we strongly condemn the reprehensible and divisive content of the upcoming roast targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, scheduled to take place at the University of South Carolina on September 18th.
The event, hosted by the student group Uncensored America, features speakers known for their history of bigotry and inflammatory rhetoric, including individuals linked to extremist organizations. The intent of this event is not simply to exercise free speech but to provoke outrage by promoting harmful messages rooted in racism, misogyny, and anti-democratic ideals.
“We recognize the trap being set by these organizers, who thrive on provoking outrage and leveraging their constitutional rights to engage in offensive speech,” said Christale Spain, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair. “However, we must remind ourselves that the best response to hate speech is not censorship, which only feeds their narrative, but more speech—more condemnation of their hateful ideology. We stand firmly against bigotry while reaffirming the values of equality, justice, and inclusion that Vice President Harris embodies.”
The SCDP urges the University of South Carolina and other right-thinking citizens to take a stand by addressing the harmful rhetoric these speakers are likely to spread while maintaining the delicate balance between protecting free speech and fostering an inclusive, respectful campus environment. As a public institution, USC has a responsibility to its students, alumni, and community to stand against hatred while upholding the values of the First Amendment.