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Protestors gather in opposition to white nationalist event A protester leads several chants in front of Strong Hall on the way to the Hill on Feb. 17, 2018. Corey Markus / The Daily Beacon

John Orona

Contributor About 250 UT students and community members marched Saturday to protest a white nationalist event held by Matthew Heimbach, founder of the Traditionalist Worker Party (TWP). The march was organized by UT student groups, including the Progressive Student Alliance, Sexual Empowerment and Awareness at Tennessee (SEAT) and the Women’s Coordinating Council. The protest began with a rally at the HSS Amphitheater. The group then marched through campus and toward Ayres Hall before entering the protest zone set up by various law enforcement agencies and taking up residence on the steps of Hoskins Library. Officers enforced the clear bag policy in the

Volume 135 Issue 11

protest area. Organizers said the protest area could be a potential safety hazard, and many complained on Facebook that they wouldn’t have adequate access to water or their personal belongings. Helen Law, junior in ecology and member of SEAT, said it was important for her to protest because of protesting’s efficacy in fighting fascism. “Different ways of resisting these types of groups have been tested throughout history, and so far the most effective one is massive condemnation in the form of protest,” Law said. “They would feel empowered if we were not here.” Others wanted to say public that TWP doesn’t have popular backing. “I would really just like to show everyone that not all of Knoxville supports what’s happening here,” Gina Carvagno, senior in psychology, said. “I hope it makes people think and start figuring out their own values and what they truly stand for.”

Senior lecturer in psychology Beth Cooper weren’t sure if protesting was the right choice but felt moved to do something in response to the event. “Maybe it will embolden them. Maybe they’ll be happy about the press,” Cooper said. “There is no perfect response, so I’m willing to follow the advice of people who know better. I at least want them to know they don’t have support here. Maybe they’ll try to set up shop somewhere else, and hopefully, wherever they go, they will never find support.” Junior in political science Alejandro Hodge said he did not expect to change Heimbach and his supporter’s ideas but wanted to send a broader message to the campus. “I want to be here to make it clear that there are people willing to say that they’re not accepting this,” Hodge said. “I don’t think this will have any effect on (the white nationalists). They’re not gonna change their minds from seeing people protest them, but it’s more for the com-

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munity and to show support.” After a few hours at the library, the protesters marched again before lining the sidewalks underneath the pedestrian bridge on Cumberland Avenue that connects Buehler Hall with the UTPD building and parking garage where TWP members exited. The opposing groups shouted at each other, and protesters chanted slogans like “Nazi scum” as TWP members left. “I hope UT administration takes a risk in the future and disallows someone who has shown to have incited violence and is trying to do that here,” Cooper said. “That’s grounds for not having them here, and that’s not disrupting their free speech.” Lacey Parunak, freshman in business, said she hopes UT will reevaluate its free speech policies in the future. “I don’t think (the white nationalists’) beliefs are gonna change,” Parunak said. “I’m more here to make UT’s policies change.”

Monday, February 19, 2018


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