The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
Michael Knowles speaks during the “Return of Michael Knowles” event on Monday, April 7.

Knowles event draws conservative supporters, LGBTQ+ ralliers

By Amanda Yu and Naomi Weiss • April 8, 2025
About 150 students and community members listened to Knowles speak about political violence, the flaws of liberalism and transgender people while about 75 people protested outside the event. Event attendees said they appreciated the open political discussion, while ralliers criticized the University for allowing Knowles to speak on campus.
An image of Michael Knowles set on fire outside of the O'Hara Student Center on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Upcoming Michael Knowles event draws backlash from LGBTQ+ groups

By Sydney Krasniewski, Staff Writer • April 3, 2025
College Republicans at Pitt are hosting Michael Knowles for an event in the O’Hara Ballroom on April 7. As the event approaches, leaders of LGBTQ+ student organizations are preparing to protest.
A student asks Charlie Kirk and former Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy a question during TPUSA’s “You’re Being Brainwashed” tour event in the Schenley Quadrangle on Wednesday.

Pitt’s Turning Point chapter disbands due to disagreement over viral video

By Briana Bindus and Spencer Levering • October 12, 2024
The Pitt College Republicans executive board announced that Pitt’s chapter of Turning Point USA was disbanded in an email sent to about 400 students and community members on Wednesday afternoon.
Michael Knowles speaks in the O’Hara Student Center on Tuesday night.

Michael Knowles, Brad Polumbo debate transgender issues, government regulation at Pitt

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • April 19, 2023
Michael Knowles and Brad Polumbo debated the question “should transgenderism be regulated by law?” as chants from protestors outside the building echoed throughout the O’Hara Ballroom Tuesday evening.
Brad Polumbo speaking with attendees at Revolution 2022 hosted by Young Americans for Liberty at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

New participant found to debate Michael Knowles at Pitt, debate topic changed

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • April 14, 2023
Pitt’s College Republicans, sponsored by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, has found a new participant to debate conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. They’ve also changed the topic of the on-campus debate.
Professor Deirdre McCloskey.

Status of ‘transgenderism and womanhood’ debate at Pitt uncertain after participant drops out

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • April 12, 2023
Deirdre McCloskey has dropped out of a debate at Pitt against political commentator Michael Knowles on “transgenderism and womanhood,” set for next Tuesday. She said Knowles is “hate-mongering” and “uninterested in finding the truth.”
A protestor holds up a transgender pride flag at a rally protesting Riley Gaines’ appearance at the O’Hara Ballroom Monday evening.

Controversial Turning Point, College Republicans events not funded by University

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • March 29, 2023
Two conservative student groups hosting controversial events at Pitt acquired funding for the events through outside organizations instead of seeking assistance from the University.
Cabot Phillips speaking at the 2016 Young Americans for Liberty National Convention at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Conservative commentator Cabot Phillips criticizes ‘liberal privilege’ on college campuses at Turning Point event

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief • March 24, 2023
Right-wing commentator Cabot Phillips spoke with conservative students at Pitt Friday evening, saying “there is nothing that gives you privilege about being a white male at a college campus.” About 25 people attended the event hosted by Pitt’s Turning Point USA chapter.
Two students from the College Democrats and College Republicans debate in the William Pitt Union Monday night.

College Democrats, Republicans debate abortion, drag bans and health care

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • March 21, 2023
One of the most contentious issues at a debate between Pitt’s College Republicans and College Democrats on Monday night came when College Republicans vice president Joshua Minsky and College Democrats president Amanda Thornton debated whether abortion is a human right.
The 2021 Pittsburgh Pride Parade in Downtown.

Student petition calls for the cancellation of upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • March 13, 2023
More than 6,000 Pitt students have signed a petition to cancel three scheduled “anti-trans” events that will be held at Pitt, as some trans and queer students raise concerns about the “potential for violence” on campus.
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