michael knowles Archives

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Deirdre McCloskey discusses upcoming debate with Michael Knowles, criticizes petition to cancel event

By Madison Dean, Senior Staff Writer • March 30, 2023

Deirdre McCloskey is set to debate “transgenderism and womanhood” with Michael Knowles in the coming weeks. She said it will likely be a “silly debate” but thinks it's important to speak against Knowles’ desire for the government to intervene in family decisions, including those that involve the transitioning and protection of transgender children.

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.