The secretary tried to engage with the protestors, noting that he “dedicated my career to protecting the right to free speech and all the values we hold dear in America, from all threats.” However, his response was met expletives from the audience members. Security personnel did not attempt to remove the protestors from the event, and McAleenan had no choice but to leave the stage, after telling the organizers of the event “Okay, thank you. Have a good day.” This is another alarming example of the heckler’s veto that has been plaguing university campuses across the nation. Why did the university sit back and allow this to happen? Students must learn that they cannot simply scream and shout to drown out voices they disagree with, and universities must not sit back, and should actively take a stand for free speech from all perspectives.WATCH: Protesters disrupt Acting Homeland Security Sec. Kevin McAleenan remarks. Following multiple attempts to start, he thanks hosts and departs.
— CSPAN (@cspan) October 7, 2019
Full video: https://t.co/xPU4Fdpliv pic.twitter.com/Up6tygy3JO