A free expression-versus-hate speech quandary looms over planned events at the University of Pittsburgh that critics contend will “advance a platform of hate and transphobia.”

Pitt, however, says the events must be allowed — even if some deem them offensive.

A petition that has drawn more than 7,000 signatures is calling for the following events on Pitt’s main campus in Oakland to be canceled:

An appearance at 7 p.m. March 24 in the Cathedral of Learning by Cabot Phillips, editor, writer and commentator for The Daily Wire. An appearance at 5:45 p.m. March 27 in the O’Hara Student Ballroom by Riley Gaines, a collegiate swimming champion and former University of Kentucky team member who contends transgender females should not compete in women’s athletics. A debate at 7:30 p.m. April 18 in the O’Hara Student Ballroom between Michael Knowles, a Daily Wire host and author, and Deirdre McCloskey, an author and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Knowles, in a speech to a recent gathering of the Conservative Political Action Committee, drew backlash from some for saying that “transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely.” McCloskey describes herself as having transitioned from being a man to a woman.

The events are being sponsored by student groups including the College Republicans at Pitt and the Pitt chapter of the conservative group Turning Point USA. A group called the Intercollegiate Studies Institute is also promoting the event on its website.

As has happened with politically volatile events elsewhere, including Penn State, officials at Pitt have issued pre-event statements separating themselves from some of the opinions that will be shared while remaining committed to protecting free speech. The officials said if there are any related protests, they should not impede campus operations.

“We understand these events are toxic and hurtful for many people in our university community. The presence of these speakers on our campus does not change the University’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” Pitt said in a statement posted to its media affairs website.

“These events are being organized by — and the speakers have been invited by — registered student organizations on campus. Student organizations are permitted to invite speakers — including highly provocative ones — to campus without university administration deciding what is acceptable and what is not,” Pitt added.

A petition circulating on change.org, authored Pitt student Nicholas Demjan from Whitehall, had collected more than 7,000 signatures by Monday afternoon.

The petition said the lives of transgender people are under attack nationally. It said the American Civil Liberties Union is tracking nearly 400 pieces of anti-trans legislation across the United States.

“The University of Pittsburgh is an academic and career home base for many trans students and employees. In many ways, the university has affirmed its commitment to both material and symbolic support of the queer and trans community,” the petition said, pointing to The Plan for Pitt, a document that the petition said “expressly commits to promoting diversity and inclusion as one of its pillars.”

“It is unacceptable and against the values of this university to allow groups under its administration and on its behalf to host events featuring individuals who wish to advance a platform of hate and transphobia and make our beloved institution an accomplice to the trending attacks that place trans bodies and humanity in the middle of a culture war fabricated entirely for political gain,” the petition added.

At Penn State, an appearance in October that included a Proud Boys founder drew protests that prompted the university to cancel an event it had earlier said it would allow. It faced criticism from many over the decision.

Pitt said in its statement is prepared to deal with disruptions.

“While peaceful protest is allowed, it cannot interfere with university events or operations. The university has well-established procedures to properly handle these situations, and we are committed to working with our community members to ensure they understand our policies and procedures,” Pitt said.

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