Tensions rise at UL as students protest a panel on transgender ideology

LAFAYETTE, KATC — Tensions flared at the University of Lafayette Monday afternoon as student protesters rallied against a panel titled “The Dangers of Transgender Ideology” organized by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA.

The protest, which drew support from local LGBTQ+ groups, was sparked by the event’s controversial timing — which coincides with Transgender Day of Visibility — and its focus on detransition. Protesters gathered in front of the scene chanting slogans and carrying placards reading “Down with the hate”.

“We’re not going to play nice, we’re fighting for our lives,” student protesters shouted.

Among those who voiced opposition was Faith Brown, a freshman at the university. “I’m angry, I’m sad, there’s a lot going on here, and even with all of that, I’m very happy to be here and have a voice,” Brown said.

The panel will feature Chloe Cole, a speaker who identifies as transitioning and has previously criticized medical treatments for transgender youth. Turning Point USA and Jenna Kate Frederick, who organized the event, said the goal was to highlight concerns about hormone blockers and surgery for minors.

Frederick defended the panel in an interview, saying, “We just wanted to spread the light that it’s dangerous to do these surgeries and have hormone blockers.”

When asked about the students’ reaction, Frederick said, “I just want you to know that Jesus loves you, we love you, and we’re just trying to show another point of view on this subject.”

The protest was particularly charged after the death of Basil Brown, a transgender student at the university, in April 2024. Brown, who committed suicide, was a vocal supporter of transgender rights on campus.

Karen Smith, a biology professor at UL Lafayette and the mother of a transgender child, said she attended the protest to show solidarity with the transgender community. “I thought it was incredibly bad taste for TPUSA to plan their event on Transgender Day of Visibility,” Smith said. “As a parent of a transgender child, I need to speak up now, and I don’t think a transitioning person should have any more say in my child’s health care than me or their doctor.”

Smith’s sentiment was echoed by Malek Richard, one of the organizers of the protest, who emphasized the importance of protecting marginalized voices. “Free speech is free speech, but when free speech infringes on the rights of others to exist peacefully, especially on a college campus, I’m not a fan of it,” Richard said.

The university sought to navigate the situation by emphasizing its commitment to free speech. In a statement, Lafayette University said, “The Turning Point USA campus student chapter is hosting this event. UL Lafayette is a public institution and is committed to the free, safe, and legal expression of ideas. Open dialogue is fundamental to the University’s academic mission and its role in advancing the public interest.”

The university also referenced its Campus Free Speech Policy, which aims to ensure that events involving the exchange of ideas are “orderly, safe and respectful.”

In preparation for the event, Turning Point USA employed seven police officers for security, although the panel and protests went off without major incident.

As the university community continues to debate the role of free speech on campus and the rights of marginalized groups, the panel showdown highlights ongoing national divisions over transgender issues.