Resolution 2023-S8-5008
Resolution 2023-S8-5008
Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Isaiah Irlbacker, Secretary Danyah Thnaibat, Representative
Sam Blin, Representative Lauren Hanna, Representative Nazra Jafar, Legislative Affairs
Chairman Jair Alvarez,
WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) has a vested interest in empowering
freedom of speech and expression on campus indicative of our campus’ cultural and political
ideological diversity, and
WHEREAS, the sacrosanct right to express one’s thoughts and beliefs must be observed,
respected peaceably, and not disparaging immutable identities, and
WHEREAS, USG condemns any and all political extremism and violence; left, right, and center.
LET IT BE RESOLVED, the following statement expresses USG’s ire and scorn for any political
extremism, especially towards marginalized groups in our great UIC community, as well as hope
for peace in politics and civil discourse.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student government will host an
open event, Beyond the Echo Chamber: A Symposium on Freedom of Speech, to political
organizations on campus and all students to engage in a discussion on freedom of speech; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the event will invite two guest speakers to lead the
discussion by sharing their academic insights and answer questions from students; then
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the event will be recorded and shared on the
Undergraduate Student Government’s social media platforms to be accessible for all students.
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Dear UIC Community;
On March 9, 2023, Turning Point USA hosted a Live Free Tour Event featuring Charlie
Kirk at the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum on campus. While some students were in favor of the
event, many students felt ostracized and excluded. Before the event, several student
organizations outreached to the administration in protest of the event. In addition, divisive
language targeted marginalized communities — for example, Charlie Kirk’s claim that the stories
of minorities are “false victimhood narratives” and “ideological lies.” Among these claims, he
dismissed the existence of systemic racism.
We, the Undergraduate Student Government, understand the importance of freedom of
speech. The University of Illinois Chicago homes a diverse population of students with various
backgrounds, passions, and political ideologies. We encourage the difficult discussions that arise
from the diversity and activism within our community, no matter the political stance; left, right
or center. This inimitable right is a hallmark of our democratic republic, and we must peacefully
engage with those in agreement and dissent. However, when any political expression turns into
the exclusion of minority and marginalized communities, the Undergraduate Student
Government condemns this rhetoric.
We hope for peace in politics and civil discourse, a campus where people are judged on
merit and character rather than immutable identities. We implore the University administration to
be more considerate of the needs of marginalized groups when guest speakers book campus
spaces. We invite all students on campus to express any concerns within our weekly General
Body Meetings, so that we may address and posit solutions to diffuse political differences. The
Undergraduate Student Government will work to further initiatives and host events that foster an
environment with a healthy exchange of ideas across the spectrum.
The Undergraduate Student Government condemns all attacks on marginalized groups at
the University of Illinois Chicago. When we look at our fellow students, we see and know our
dignity, diversity, and humanity. UIC has many complex, hardworking, strong students who
value and love the community; from different backgrounds, families, and faiths.
Sincerely,
The Undergraduate Student Government (USG)
result Heading link
Introduced on March 13, 2023.
Amended to remove mention of extremism on March 13, 2023.
Result: Voting on March 27, 2023.
Relevant Minutes Heading link
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