Last Thursday the political commentator and comedian Steven Crowder spoke at SMU in McFarlin Auditorium. SMU’s College Republicans invited the conservative provocateur to speak for the event “Louder With Crowder”. Activists of LGBTQ+ community and others gathered on the lawn outside of McFarlin to protest Crowder, who is known for making slurs against LGBTQ+ people. #SMUCrowder was the hashtag used to follow the event.
Fans of Crowder came dressed in “MAGA” hats and other apparel to show their support. Shirts with the slogan “Pro-Guns Change My Mind” were available for purchase at the event.
https://twitter.com/sunnynespinosa/status/976980150402379776
https://twitter.com/TamiAnn02/status/976983176559112192
The event also included a meet and greet where attendees could take a picture with Crowder.
Meet and greet #CrowderStyle #CrowderSMUTakeover pic.twitter.com/1G47by7rZ3
— Edward Parker (@SoundGuyEdward1) March 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/whit_traweek/status/977039500470902784
The auditorium was full with people attending from off and on campus.
Full house for #CrowderSMUTakeover pic.twitter.com/ExFhcm8qXC
— Edward Parker (@SoundGuyEdward1) March 23, 2018
Protestors stood outside of the auditorium. Some signs read “immigrants make American great”, “hate isn’t funny”, and “bring Beyoncé next time”.
https://twitter.com/TheBillyMurray/status/976980307068014594
Other protestors took a little different stance.
Stay classy, @SMU. “Protestors” outside Steven Crowder event pic.twitter.com/6EpO1zCgPa
— Kylie Madry (@kylie_madry) March 22, 2018
