ETSU student group plans Rittenhouse protest

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – An upcoming event on East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) campus featuring controversial figure Kyle Rittenhouse led some students to organize a protest.

Turning Point USA, a student organization at ETSU, arranged for Rittenhouse to speak at the Brinkley Center (formerly the Millenium Center) on Feb. 8. Rittenhouse is expected to discuss the Second Amendment and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Controversy at ETSU over Kyle Rittenhouse as guest speaker

Rittenhouse was acquitted in 2020 of first-degree intentional homicide and other charges after killing two men and wounding a third during civil unrest in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse’s scheduled appearance was met with opposition from some students. Another ETSU student group, the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), previously created a petition to ask ETSU to formally oppose the event. A spokesperson for the university said that since the event is not university-sponsored and canceling it would violate First Amendment rights, it cannot be canceled unless a legitimate threat to public safety is found.

“We understand completely that hate speech is protected by the First Amendment, but at the same time, that doesn’t excuse ETSU from not being accountable to the nearly thousand people, for example, on our petition that have shown that they want something,” said Logan Taylor, the chair of YDSA at ETSU.

The YDSA has scheduled a rally and protest in opposition to the Rittenhouse event. Taylor also told News Channel 11 they want to create a safe space for those concerned about Rittenhouse’s visit.

“They want some kind of resources, some kind of support,” Taylor said.

President of Turning Point USA Lakie Derrick previously told News Channel 11 that the group’s intention in inviting Rittenhouse was to cultivate new ideas. Derrick said anyone who agrees or disagrees with Rittenhouse’s views is welcome to attend the event.

The YDSA will protest and march before the Rittenhouse event, with plans to have guest speakers. The YDSA has also planned a rally for gun control Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.