Young Americans for Freedom taking Biden-Harris admin to court over race-based scholarships



The student organization Young Americans for Freedom is taking the Biden-Harris administration to court over a scholarship and career advancement program it claims discriminates against Americans on the basis of race.

According to the federal lawsuit filed this week by the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of two students and YAF's University of North Dakota chapter, the $60 million Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which supports around 6,000 students annually, gives preferential treatment to a "list of favored racial groups."

Noticeably missing from that list are Caucasians, Asians, Jews, Arabs, and other students who fail, through no fault of their own, to "fit into a narrow exception for first-generation low-income students," said the lawsuit, which names both the DOE and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona as defendants.

According to the Biden-Harris Department of Education:

Students who qualify for McNair must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. In all projects, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education.

Races listed as "underrepresented" are black, Hispanic, Alaskan Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander.

'Why are we continuing to separate and divide students?'

Those McNair scholars whose dermal pigmentation and ethnicity are to the satisfaction of the Democratic administration can apparently receive an internship stipend worth thousands of dollars along with mentorship and other academic opportunities.

"The McNair Program's racial eligibility requirements are unconstitutional," said the lawsuit. "By using 'race as a factor in affording educational opportunities among its citizens,' the McNair Program violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection."

The two individual plaintiffs named in the suit are Avery Durfee, a white female student at the University of North Dakota, and Benjamin Rothhove, a white male student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, both of whom allegedly discovered they were ineligible for the program on the basis of their race.

Durfee said in a statement, "I've worked unbelievably hard throughout my undergraduate career and have wanted to go to graduate school my entire life. Being told that I didn't qualify for the McNair program because I'm white seemed completely wrong. This sends the wrong message to young Americans everywhere."

Rothove noted that he was devastated to learn he was ineligible for the program because of his race.

"This is the 21st century," said Rothhove. "Why are we continuing to separate and divide students?"

This suit, like other recent legal actions targeting similar racist, federally linked initiatives, cites the U.S. Supreme Court's June 29, 2023, ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard/UNC banning race-based college admissions.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts noted, "The student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual — not on the basis of race."

"Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual's identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin," continued Roberts. "Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice."

WILL's lawsuit specifically accuses the Biden-Harris DOE of violating the equal protection guarantee under the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

"Denying a student the chance to compete for a scholarship based on their skin color is not only discriminatory but also demeaning and unconstitutional," YAF president Scott Walker said in a statement. "At YAF, we proudly defend our students' right to be judged on their merit and abilities, not on race."

Dan Lennington, deputy counsel at WILL — a conservative law firm that has been taking the Biden-Harris administration to task for years over its discriminatory programming — said, "WILL continues its march through Biden-Harris radical DEI programs."

"We have already heard that the administration knows they can't win in court, and so, one by one, we will terminate these discriminatory, taxpayer-funded efforts," added Lennington.

This is not the first time that the McNair program has been dragged over its race-based criteria.

Last year, the Legal Insurrection Foundation's Equal Protection Project filed a civil rights complaint with the DOE's Office of Civil Rights over the McNair program's implementation at the University of Colorado.

"We bring this civil rights complaint … for supporting and promoting a scholarship program that engages in invidious discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin," said the complaint.

According to the the Equal Protection Project, the McNair program is funded by federal dollars and is therefore subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. As a result, it is prohibited from intentionally discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

WILL's lawsuit also comes amidst a broader societal campaign to kneecap discriminatory corporate policies, particularly those executed in the name of DEI.

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'There is nothing feminists hate more than family' — and the Sunday Times’ article on Ballerina Farm PROVES it



When Liz Wheeler first heard about the hugely popular homesteading influencer Hannah Neeleman, more commonly known as Ballerina Farm, she didn’t pay much attention to the hype, as it seemed to revolve around inconsequential matters, such as Neeleman competing in a beauty pageant 12 days postpartum.

But in the wake of the Sunday’s Times recent defamatory article “Meet the queen of the ‘trad wives’ (and her eight children),” Liz has gleefully hopped on the Ballerina Farm bandwagon.

“I'm all about this woman,” she says, lambasting the author of the Times piece, Megan Agnew, as a “bitter, agenda-driven, man-hating, disrespectful, derogatory feminist.”

And when you read even a handful of the remarks Agnew made about Neeleman and her family, it’s easy to see that Liz’s anger is righteous.

EXPOSED: The WORST Thing That Happened at Ballerina Farmwww.youtube.com

The author “deliberately, falsely portrayed Hannah as unhappy, falsely portrayed her marriage as unequal, falsely portrayed her children as annoying, falsely portrayed her life as unfulfilled, her life as fake because Hannah's life is family. And there is nothing feminists hate more than family,” says Liz.

In the article, Agnew took jab after jab at Daniel Neeleman, Hannah’s husband, painting him as the domineering alpha-male type. Liz cites the following excerpt as an example:

“Our first few years of marriage were really hard, we sacrificed a lot,” she says. “But we did have this vision, this dream and —” Daniel interrupts: “We still do.” What kind of sacrifices, I ask her. “Well, I gave up dance, which was hard. You give up a piece of yourself. And Daniel gave up his career ambitions.”

I look out at the vastness and don’t totally agree. Daniel wanted to live in the great western wilds, so they did; he wanted to farm, so they do; he likes date nights once a week, so they go (they have a babysitter on those evenings); he didn’t want nannies in the house, so there aren’t any. The only space earmarked to be Neeleman’s own — a small barn she wanted to convert into a ballet studio — ended up becoming the kids’ schoolroom.”

The passage captures the tone of the entire article.

“Cultural hegemony” is what Liz sees when she reads Agnew’s insults.

First coined by Marxist Antonio Gramsci, founder of the Italian Communist Party, cultural hegemony refers to how a governing body captures various institutions in order to shape and control the culture, the end goal being that the governing class’s worldview becomes the cultural norm.

“The Marxist left cannot stand if a man and a woman are happily married, if they are fulfilling traditional gender roles — the woman is having babies, the husband is providing and running a business — if they're homeschooling their children, if they are happy,” says Liz.

If you need further proof, look no further than Agnew’s brazen acknowledgement of her irritation at not being able to get Hannah Neeleman alone.

“I can’t, it seems, get an answer out of Neeleman without her being corrected, interrupted or answered for by either her husband or a child. Usually I am doing battle with steely Hollywood publicists; today I am up against an army of toddlers who all want their mum and a husband who thinks he knows better.”

“What an absolutely nasty article,” says Liz in disgust, adding that the piece proves that “feminism is a pernicious fraud that hates women.”

“When women choose to be feminine — like Hannah Neeleman — choose to be wives, choose to be mothers and actually like it, feminists' heads explode.”

“Nobody will more viciously gut a happily married mother — who's happy with those choices — than a feminist who thinks nobody should be allowed to be fulfilled by doing what God created women to do,” Liz condemns.

To hear more of her analysis, watch the clip above.

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Universities Are Canceling Commencement. Students Should Skip It Anyway

I did a lot of stupid things in college. Skipping my commencement ceremony on the National Mall is not one of them.

Trump reportedly plans to skip GOP debate and do interview with Tucker Carlson



Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump plans to skip the first GOP presidential primary debate and do an interview with conservative media figure Tucker Carlson.

Trump has determined to skip the debate, NBC News reported, citing two sources aware of his thinking. The outlet reported that Trump is seeking an interview with Carlson.

"We haven't confirmed anything on our end," a Trump campaign spokesperson noted when questioned about Trump's plans for next week, according to the outlet.

The New York Times reported that, according to individuals briefed on the issue, Trump plans to upstage the GOP primary debate by doing an interview with Carlson. According to two individuals briefed on the situation, Trump has informed individuals close to him that he has determined to skip the debate, the Times reported.

Trump is by far the most popular Republican presidential candidate, according to polling, so his absence would almost certainly lead to lower interest in the debate.

Trump has been publicly questioning why he should participate in the debate when he is already walloping the competition.

"Many people are asking whether or not I will be doing the DEBATES? ALL AMERICANS have been clamoring for a President of extremely High Intelligence. As everyone is aware, my Poll numbers, over a 'wonderful' field of Republican candidates, are extraordinary. In fact, I am leading the runner up, whoever that may now be, by more than 50 Points. Reagan didn't do it, and neither did others. People know my Record, one of the BEST EVER, so why would I Debate? I'M YOUR MAN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The debate is slated to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23 and will be moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum of Fox News. "The RNC is proud to announce the @FoxNews Republican Primary Debate with Partners @YAF and @RumbleVideo," the Republican National Committee tweeted in April.

Carlson previously hosted a popular primetime program on the Fox News Channel, but the show was abruptly eliminated from the evening lineup earlier this year. Carlson later launched a new show that is unaffiliated with Fox News, releasing episodes directly on Twitter.

Axios reported earlier this year that Fox News had issued a cease-and-desist letter to Carlson. But Carlson has continued creating content and releasing it on the social media platform.

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How You Can Protect Your Kids from Indoctrination (Pt. 3) | Scott Walker | POLITICS | Rubin Report

How You Can Protect Your Kids from Indoctrination (Pt. 3) | Scott Walker | POLITICS | Rubin Report

Leftists steal teen preacher's Bible, eat pages of it to protest Matt Walsh event at University of Wisconsin



Leftists protesting a recent event featuring anti-transgenderism activist Matt Walsh at the University of Wisconsin stole a copy of the Bible from a street preacher who was exercising his First Amendment rights. At least one protester then desecrated the Bible further in a rather unique way: by eating some of its pages.

On Monday, a hundred or so protesters gathered at the campus in Madison, Wisconsin, to express their ire that Walsh, a conservative with a different viewpoint about transgenderism, was extended an invitation to speak and to screen "What Is a Woman?", his wildly popular documentary exploring the dangers associated with so-called gender transition.

Many of the protesters engaged in rather common leftist protesting tactics: defacing monuments and buildings, chanting obscene and illogical rhymes, and harassing those who express Christian values.

However, at least a handful of protesters went beyond harassing one street preacher. They stole his Bible and began tearing pages from it. At least one rotund protester was so enticed by the pages of Scripture that she chose to use them as a mid-afternoon snack.

The incident was caught on the video below. The unnamed female, whom the Daily Wire inadvertently identified as a "male," with bright pink hair stuffs the pages of Scripture into her mouth at around the :04 mark, just before she is obscured by another female protester in black:

\u201cProtestors have now shredded The Bible and one began eating pages\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1666649131

The mangled Bible in that video once belonged to Nick Proell, a local teenager who attended the event to share his faith and the love of God with protesters.

"It was my personal study Bible that I used every single day," Proell stated. "At church, at Bible study, to preach, you name it."

Proell added that he had purchased that Bible late last year for about $100. He said he brought it with him to the event so that he could try to guide "sinners who love their sin and hate God" to abandon their sin and turn to Jesus instead.

He also believes that transgenderism is antithetical to God and godly creation.

"God uniquely chooses who we are and what our purpose is. He decides if we’re a man or a woman, not us," Proell explained. "Men weren’t designed to chop off their penises and call themselves women. It’s a foolish thing to try and play God."

Needless to say, that message was not well received by the protesters, who chanted "sexist, racist, anti-gay, Christian fascists go away" and "eat s***, f*** you" at the Christians across the street.

TheCollegeFix: Trans activists, Christians clash over ‘What is a Woman’ youtu.be

Proell admitted that he put the Bible down briefly while distracted by the crowd, and the next thing he knew, it was gone.

In addition to the Bible, Proell alleged that protesters also stole upwards of $1,000 in A/V equipment, including a camera, batteries, chargers, and a microphone.

Matt Walsh responded to the leftist protests and vandalism with a few stern messages of his own. First, he condemned UW administrators for "apologizing to the vandals and taking their side," a move that Walsh described as the "worst cowardice [he'd] ever seen by a university."

Then, Walsh made a direct pitch to his fellow countrymen.

"Well, you can be on the side that eats the Bible and castrates children," he tweeted, "or you can be on literally any side but that one. Your choice, America."

\u201cWell, you can be on the side that eats the Bible and castrates children, or you can be on literally any side but that one. Your choice, America.\u201d
— Matt Walsh (@Matt Walsh) 1666649285

The UW chapter of the Young America’s Foundation hosted the Walsh event.

Video: Former VP Mike Pence expertly trolls left-wing Georgetown students protesting his speech — and non-woke students love it



Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a gut-punch dose of truth to left-wing Georgetown University students protesting his speech on the Washington, D.C., campus Wednesday night — and non-woke students in the crowd loved every word.

What happened?

Video from Young America’s Foundation — the conservative group that hosted Pence's speech — shows dozens of students walking out of the room while Pence speaks and other students in the venue's balcony unfurling a banner reading "reproductive rights are human rights," Fox News reported.

Pence had the perfect response to the walkout: "Seems to me that having served many years in Washington, leaders in this nation’s capital have never been more out of touch, more intent on imposing their agenda — or walking out on people that might have a different point of view."

The crowd that remained in the venue clapped and cheered upon hearing that final zinger:

Better still, the walkout was a double win. YAF told Fox News the departing left-wing crowd made room for students who actually wanted to listen to Pence.

"Campus leftists thought they could successfully derail Vice President Mike Pence’s YAF-sponsored lecture by walking out and displaying signs promoting the left’s radical agenda," YAF spokesperson Nick Baker told the cable network. "Within minutes, they were proven wrong. YAF easily filled the room to capacity with students legitimately interested in hearing Vice President Pence’s pro-freedom message."

Fox News said a Pence representative didn't immediately respond to the cable network's request for comment. Pence did, however, give a shout-out to attendees in a Wednesday-night tweet:

\u201cThank you @yaf and @GUPolitics! It was great to be at Georgetown tonight with so many great young Americans! \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u201d
— Mike Pence (@Mike Pence) 1666232465

"Thank you @yaf and @GUPolitics!" he wrote. "It was great to be at Georgetown tonight with so many great young Americans!"

Anything else?

In his speech, Pence emphasized tolerance and called for the restoration of civil discourse, Fox News said.

"I really do believe you can say to somebody they’ve got bad ideas without saying they’re a bad person," Pence told the audience, according to the cable network. "I hold the view and have for many years that democracy depends on heavy doses of civility."

Pence — who many believe is considering a 2024 presidential run — was cagey when asked during a post-speech interview whether he'd support Donald Trump as president again in 2024, Fox News reported.

"Well, there might be somebody else I prefer more," he said with a smirk, according to the cable network.

"All my focus has been on the midterm elections, and it’ll stay that way for the next 20 days. But after that, we’ll be thinking about the future," Pence added, Fox News said. "Ours and the nation's. And I'll keep you posted. OK?"

Crazed leftist agitators try (and fail) to stop Houston screening of Matt Walsh's 'What Is a Woman?'



Despite having their event listing removed from Eventbrite earlier this week, the Young Conservatives of Texas at the University of Houston remained determined to host Matt Walsh on Thursday night and screen his "What Is a Woman?" documentary. The film examines the incoherence and perniciousness of leftist gender ideology. Although the conservative student group ultimately prevailed, they first had to deal with the mob of agitators that swarmed the venue, keen on achieving what Eventbrite was unable to do: shutting down the event.

Ahead of the screening, liberals on campus reportedly tore down posters advertising the event, while Antifa and other radical leftist groups disseminated flyers inciting others to mobilize "in protest against virulent transphobe Matt Walsh on Campus."

Echoing accusations made elsewhere, groups like the Space City Anarchist Organization called Walsh, a father of four, a "bigot" and suggested his film is "transphobic."

\u201cOn Thursday, October 13th, University of Houston students are mobilizing in protest against virulent transphobe Matt Walsh on Campus. Join in solidarity with University of Houston students as they stand against transphobia!\n\nPlease share widely!\u201d
— Space City Anarchist Organization (@Space City Anarchist Organization) 1665440872

Accusations of "transphobia" were repeated on Thursday by the transsexuality activists, leftists, and students gathered outside the venue. "Transphobia has go to go" and "trans rights are human rights" figured prominently in their chants, along with accusations of fascism, leveled at those trying to peacefully enter the building.

In June, Rolling Stone magazine similarly contended that "What Is a Woman?" is "transphobic," calling it an "attempt to belittle an already targeted group of people."

According to the Daily Wire, the film's distributor, the chief concerns raised in Walsh's documentary are reportedly:

  • the destruction of women's sports by men claiming to be women;
  • the exploitation of transsexuality claims by sexual offenders to prey upon women;
  • the left's use of censorship to advance a radical agenda, free from critique or analysis;
  • the denigration of women with neologisms like "birthing persons";
  • the left's attack on science with claims such as "having a penis doesn't make one male"; and
  • the mutilation and sterilization of children by bad actors.
\u201cOne of the surgeons in our documentary confesses to having mutilated the genitals of a 16 year old boy. The Left says this isn't happening. They're lying, as always. \n\nFull film premieres tonight at https://t.co/xibkNa4oHW\u201d
— Matt Walsh (@Matt Walsh) 1654103463

Walsh previously indicated that the left "will do whatever they can to make sure no one sees this movie. ... They know their ideology is based on lies and their logic is hollow and premiering the movie to a massive online audience will not only be an utter embarrassment to them but will send a message that they will not win this battle."

In the context of Walsh's broader "battle," Thursday night's screening may have been only a skirmish, but both sides came out in full force.

The line of attendees waiting to watch the documentary was long, stretching down the block.

\u201cHuge turnout for Matt Walsh at @UHouston tonight. So far they\u2019re outnumbering the protesters.\u201d
— Samantha Ketterer (@Samantha Ketterer) 1665702633

While attendees waited in line, members of the Houston Police Department took necessary precautions, anticipating leftist violence of the kind seen at past campus events.

Police removed loose bricks around the venue.

\u201cOutside of @MattWalshBlog\u2019s screening of \u2018What Is A Woman\u2019\u2014\n\nAn Officer with Houston PD just removed bricks from the protesters side of the barrier to prevent any violence.\u201d
— Tayler Hansen (@Tayler Hansen) 1665706412

One masked agitator was apprehended inside the venue by police.

\u201cWATCH: Masked protestor tackled by police at @mattwalshblog's event in Houston\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665705575

Mikel Moore, chapter chairman of the Young Conservatives of Texas, told KRIV that his group thought it important "to continue to bring conservative content, conservative messaging, to the University of Houston."

"This is an opportunity for students and members of the community to get a chance to see the movie, to understand it," said Moore. "We believe this event, too, will ignite conversations around gender, around how we look at the issue, and can lead to some good dialogue."

Masked agitators outside the venue sought to stifle that debate, going so far as trying to prevent attendees from entering the venue.

\u201cWas just forcefully removed by ANTIFA and Protesters outside of @MattWalshBlog\u2019s movie screening as they interlocked their hands and surrounded me. \n\nApparently Media is only acceptable if you support their beliefs.\u201d
— Tayler Hansen (@Tayler Hansen) 1665712077

Despite the efforts of the mob, the venue was packed in time for the event. An estimated 400 people were in attendance.

\u201cDespite all the protests, we have a packed room for @mattwalshblog's screening of #WhatIsAWoman!\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665710426

Outside, protesters and counter-protesters exchanged verbal volleys.

Amid chants advocating transsexuality and condemning the event, some counter-protesters took to prayer. A handful of leftists appeared to shield themselves with umbrellas.

\u201cLeftist protestors use umbrellas to shield themselves from the prayers of @MattWalshBlog supporters.\n\nFootage by TPM\u2019s Beth Baisch @PuffinsPictures\u201d
— The Post Millennial (@The Post Millennial) 1665710840

After the event, Houston police worked to ensure that attendees could safely leave the premises.

\u201cPolice have moved in to clear a path for people exiting the screening of #WhatIsAWoman\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665711562

Here is a trailer for the documentary:

OFFICIAL TRAILER: "WHAT IS A WOMAN?" youtu.be

Conservative student forced to hide in bathroom as 'angry mob' of protesters targeted her at Allen West event: They were 'hunting me down ... I was afraid for my life'



The student organizer of retired Lt. Col. Allen West's lecture at the University at Buffalo last week said she was scared for her life when an "angry mob" of student protesters chased her down following the event.

What happened?

Young Americans for Freedom President Therese Purcell claimed recently that she was forced to hide in a men's bathroom on campus after being separated from the police escort and being targeted by dozens of protesters on Thursday.

West had been invited on campus as part of the conservative student group's lecture series. The event was titled, "America Is Not Racist — Why American Values Are Exceptional."

Throughout the event, dozens, if not hundreds, of protesters flocked outside the venue to denounce West's appearance, shouting chants such as "Black Lives Matter" and "No Justice, No Peace!"

According to video of the event, things got particularly heated during a Q&A session. Then, during a meet-and-greet, things spiraled completely out of control.

Leftist Mob Berates Conservative Students, Allen West Escorted Out By Policeyoutu.be

"I realized I was the target for these protesters, and about 200 of my fellow students started hunting me down on campus," Purcell recalled in an interview with Fox News. "They started chasing me [and] screaming, 'Go get her! Go get her! Capture her! Get the girl in the red dress!'"

Purcell said she was able to narrowly escape the crowd by running away and hiding in a nearby men's bathroom. But she claimed another one of her club members wasn't so lucky. He was allegedly punched and kicked by protesters.

Purcell added that she was fortunate to have escaped and didn't know what would've happened to her had she been caught by the mob.

"I was really afraid for my life since they physically assaulted my friend, and like I said, they were screaming, 'No peace!'" she told Fox News. "I don't think they were going to do anything remotely peaceful. They were a very angry mob, and they were clearly saying that they were trying to chase me, that they wanted to capture me."

"So I'm afraid of what would have happened if I wasn't able to hide from them," she added.

What else?

In a statement Friday, Purcell said, "I am unbelievably disturbed that I was chased by a leftist mob and scared for my life on my college campus all for hosting Lt. Col. Allen West, a conservative speaker," adding, "The assault on free speech at the University at Buffalo by an angry mob is incredibly unacceptable."

West, a former Republican congressman, had to be escorted from the venue by police officers due to the presence of angry protesters.

The university and its on-campus police department have since launched an investigation into claims of harassment stemming from the event. According to WKBW-TV, so far no reports of assault have been filed.

"The university is conducting a thorough review of events and activities leading up to, during, and after an appearance by former congressman and retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West, including the posting of anonymous social media messages threatening students protesting West’s speech and harassment of students after the speech," the school said Friday.

Muslim student who put 9/11 memorial flags into trash bags rails against 'Islamophobia' while defending his 'Flag Relocation'



A Muslim student who removed nearly 3,000 miniature U.S. flags from a 9/11 memorial at Washington University in St. Louis — and was caught on video carrying them away in trash bags — railed against "Islamophobia" as he defended his "Flag Relocation."

What are the details?

Fadel Alkilani, who's vice president of finance for the Student Union, was seen by another student, Nathaniel Hope, removing the flags Saturday morning — the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks — and Hope began recording video showing Alkilani holding multiple plastic bags containing the flags, the college's newspaper reported.

WOW: A student senator at @WUSTL was caught on video throwing away 2,977 American flags from conservative students'… https://t.co/0UtCGpiNK3

— YAF (@yaf) 1631390127.0

Alkilani defended his actions in a formal statement Saturday night, which called it a "Flag Relocation Incident" in the title.

"Muslims such as I have faced fear, harassment, and Islamophobia from those who unjustly use the victims of 9/11 as a political cudgel," he wrote. "Those who died during 9/11 deserve better than to be used as a political tool by those who seek to excuse American imperialism and Islamophobia."

Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @yaf

He added:

Since 9/11, Islamophobic hate crimes have been higher than they ever were before. The United States invaded countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, and over 900,000 people have been killed because of the wars the United States has propagated. 37 million people have been displaced, with some reports stating that number reaches up to 59 million. Any memorial of 9/11 that does not contend with these facts is not only incomplete, but it also amplifies pro-imperialist sentiment and actively disrespects those who have died because of American Invasion. A memorial which uses U.S. flags is especially insidious, as it does not recognize those who have fallen, but uses a symbol that was on the shoulders of those who are responsible for the deaths of 900,000 people, and uses the innocent lives lost during 9/11 as a political prop upholding American hegemony.

Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @yaf

Alkilani also claimed he did nothing wrong — and was "verbally and physically harassed":

The misinformation that is currently circulating on YAF's page states that I was "stealing" the flags. This is due to a WashU College Republicans member, taking a video of me collecting flags in plastic bags. However, I had no intention of removing the flags from the Mudd Field area, and my full protest did not have the chance to be actualized. My planned protest was to place the bags of flags on Mudd field, along with various statistics (including those below) explaining the human cost of 9/11 in the past 20 years. On the sides of the bags, some writing may be visible, but the full statement was not outlined at the time of the video. I did not deface, destroy, damage, nor steal any flags, nor did I interfere with any registered event time. I assert that I did not violate any University Code of Conduct policy, though the conduct process is undergoing. Additionally, I was verbally and physically harassed by numerous WashU students and WUPD officers, whom I plan to report through official channels.

Anything else?

Students said Alkilani tried to destroy the memorial Friday night, but campus police ordered him to stop, Fox News reported.

The school condemned Alkilani's actions in a statement to the paper: "We were disappointed to learn about the disruption to the 9/11 display on Mudd Field. We condemn the interference with the expression of support by the College Republicans for the victims of the national tragedy that took place 20 years ago today."

Chancellor Andrew Martin said much the same, the school paper reported Sunday: "I want to make it very clear that, as an institution, we find the actions of this student to be reprehensible. The removal of the flags impeded the ability of individuals to commemorate the lives lost on 9/11 and to process the trauma of that day."

While Martin didn't mention Alkilani by name, he did say the school would investigate the incident.

College Republicans president Nick Rodriguez said Alkilani "made a mockery of one of the most somber days in American history" and should be disciplined.

"At minimum, I believe he should be removed from both SU and his [resident advisor] position, as what does it say to be a top American institution, and have yourself represented by a student leader who has no respect for property, campus traditions or the remembrance of thousands of lost lives," Rodriguez said in a statement. "Today is about remembering the tragedy, 20 years ago to the day, not to make a political statement. Any reason he can conjure to remove the flags I find ludicrous."

Junior Reagan Steirn was among those who gathered with a large American flag on Mudd Field Saturday evening, the paper reported — and she was not happy about Alkilani's actions: "I'm livid. With a leadership role, someone doing those actions and showing his disrespect will just allow other students on campus to do the same thing, when in this situation it's just not okay to do that."

The paper also reported that Muslim students are saying they fear for their safety and are concerned about the rise of Islamophobic rhetoric from fellow students and from strangers on social media in the wake of the incident.