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.
Police stand guard outside of the O’Hara Student Center as protests rage during the controversial Michael Knowles debate on April 18th, 2023.

Pitt no longer requiring College Republicans to pay for security fees following Knowles event

By Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor • September 6, 2023
Pitt is rescinding an $18,743 security fee previously charged to College Republicans for hosting the Michael Knowles event last semester, after receiving a letter threatening legal action against the University.
A smoke bomb lands on the ground at the second of two protests against a debate featuring Michael Knowles on campus Tuesday evening.

Husband and wife indicted for smoke bombs and fireworks during Knowles protest

By Ryleigh Lord, News Editor • June 30, 2023
A husband and wife were charged with three indictments for dropping two smoke bombs and a firework at the protest that took place outside of the O’Hara Student Center during Michael Knowles’ debate on April 18.
A view of the Cathedral of Learning.

Editorial | The top five most memorable things that happened this year

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • April 20, 2023
Besides a little obstacle — finals week — we have made it through another school year. To remember some of the events that stuck with us most, here are the top five most memorable things that happened this school year.
A protestor walks past a smoke bomb outside of the O'Hara Student Center on Tuesday evening during the second of two protests against a debate featuring Michael Knowles on campus.

Protesters criticize ‘dangerous’ rhetoric at Knowles, Polumbo debate

By Spencer Levering and Alexandra Ross • April 19, 2023
More than 250 people protested on O’Hara Street Tuesday evening outside the O’Hara Student Center, where Michael Knowles debated Brad Polumbo on whether the government should regulate transgender identity.
A protest outside O'Hara Student Center ahead of the Michael Knowles debate.

Police say ‘public safety emergency’ at O’Hara resolved after protest of Michael Knowles event

By Alexandra Ross and Rebecca Johnson • April 18, 2023
Pitt police released an emergency notification alert Tuesday evening advising people to avoid O’Hara street as a “public safety emergency” developed in the area.
Michael Knowles speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Editorial | 3 candidates Michael Knowles wouldn’t debate

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • April 17, 2023
After transgender scholar Deirdre McCloskey dropped out of an on-campus debate against Michael Knowles, a conservative political commentator who has received enough attention on campus for a lifetime in the past few weeks, organizers for the event scrambled to find a replacement. 
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.”
Load More Stories