Rep. Pramila Jayapal rails against university decision to cancel Hasan Piker speech

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said she has been "communicating [her] concerns" To the University of Washington regarding its decision to cancel a planned appearance by Hasan Piker. She urged student groups to work with the university to help the event.

In a post on X, Jayapal stated that the University of Washington "informed me that they are doing an internal review to ensure this never happens again" And wrote: "I encourage student groups who want to hear from Mr. Piker to work with the University to ensure that they can proceed." She framed the cancellation as a free speech matter, saying: "As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I have been absolutely clear that free speech is a Constitutional right that we must all stand up and protect."

Rep. Dan Goldman, a pro-Israel Democrat, opposed Jayapal's position. He argued that the school "has obligations under Title VI" To "not create a hostile environment" For Jewish students. Goldman stated: "Given [Piker's] repeated and overtly antisemitic (and anti-American) statements, no federally funded university should sanction a platform for Piker to speak."

Piker had previously stated that Democrats failed to "speak out against this clear violation" Of the First Amendment, attributing the cancellation to his "position as a prominent critic of Israel."

The University of Washington defended its decision, saying the event was canceled after determining that the organizational process did not meet the necessary rigor standards for university-hosted events. Piker has faced prior criticism for statements including remarks about 9/11 and comparisons involving Hamas and Israel.