Michael Knowles, an American conservative commentator, author, and podcast host known for his remarks regarding transgender ‘eradication‘ and ‘great replacement’ conspiracy theory is scheduled to appear at University at Buffalo this Thursday sponsored by the UB Young Americans For Freedom.
Knowles has been criticized for promoting and giving a platform to the “white replacement theory” on his podcast and in other media appearances. Knowles has suggested that immigration and demographic changes pose a threat to the “traditional American nation,” and has suggested that white people are being replaced by non-white populations.
Since "replacement theory" is the slogan du jour, we should probably define it: it's the idea that Democrats are using immigration policy to change the demographics of the United States in a way that would seem to help them politically.
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) May 17, 2022
Knowles’ rhetoric and associations have been widely criticized by experts and commentators as being divisive and harmful. Knowles actively supports “white replacement” conspiracy theory” that has been directly linked to violence and hate crimes including the massacre at the Tops Market in Buffalo back in May 2022.
The ‘great replacement theory‘ is a far-right conspiracy theory that suggests that white people are being systematically replaced by non-white populations through immigration, lower birth rates among white people, and other demographic changes.
As if Knowles’s views on race aren’t enough, over the weekend, he became embroiled in more controversy speaking at CPAC and openly called for the “eradication” of transgnderism.
During his speech on Saturday, Knowles told the crowd, “For the good of society… transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely — the whole preposterous ideology, at every level.”
Michael Knowles publicly says he wants to “eradicate” transgendered people.
That’s some Hitler Nazi Germany genocide shit
"Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely."
— David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) March 4, 2023
Normally, we wouldn’t give a s**t when some right-wing a**hole comes to town to speak to a bunch of adolescent incels, but this one is different. Knowles’ promotion of ‘replacement theory’ encouraged people like the Tops Shooter to massacre 10 people at a local supermarket. He deserves no pulpit here in Buffalo and Western New York.
UPDATE 6pm: UB has released a BS canned statement on the March 9th event:
BUFFALO, N.Y – The Young Americans for Freedom student chapter at the University at Buffalo is hosting an event on March 9 with political commentator, author and media host Michael Knowles.
This is a student-chapter event. Student government-sponsored clubs have the ability to invite speakers of their choosing, as long as they follow the laws and guidelines concerning public events on campus.
While UB does not take a position on the views of those who visit campus, the university holds steadfast to its values of diversity, inclusion, equity and mutual respect. UB’s values are supported and advanced by our Office of Inclusive Excellence in order to build a culture of diversity, social justice, and inclusion that makes all of us stronger. We are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming environment at all times.
As a public university, UB must also uphold the principles of the First Amendment and respects this constitutionally protected right. More information about the university’s position on freedom of expression and rules for maintaining public order can be found at https://www.buffalo.edu/news/key-issues/freedom-of-expression.html.
