One Man With No Ties To Towson University Arrested During Anti-LGBTQ+ Protest On Campus
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- An adult male with no ties to Towson University was arrested after a group of protestors reportedly shouted anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric on campus Thursday afternoon, according to the University.
Towson University Police and Baltimore County Police were at the scene of the protest.
Towson we have a problem.... pic.twitter.com/ylkB5aZ1oW
— naebby. (@lordnaeski__) April 18, 2019
The University said Towson University Police was notified that an external group of protestors had plans to exercise free speech on campus, the University said in a tweet.
Towson University relocated and isolated the group the public right of way, and communicated to the Baltimore County Police Department.
TUPD relocated and isolated the group the public right of way, communicated to Baltimore County Police Department, and continues to monitor and ensure the safety of our campus community members.
— Towson University (@TowsonU) April 18, 2019
TU said that "It remains committed to upholding our values toward a diverse and inclusive campus."
Students pushed back against the anti-LGBTQ+ protestors as it went on.
@TowsonU students push back against Anti-LGBTQ protestors on college grounds pic.twitter.com/EqFyaod4mj
— Kerry Ingram (@Glaminista08) April 18, 2019
Students raised inclusive flags and waved #NotatTU posters as the anti-LGBTQ+ protestors demonstrated.
More flags and signs pic.twitter.com/YxSGeBZy0V
— Tim Klapac (@TimTimmah2) April 18, 2019
Students bring out flag of Israel in front of the group promoting anti-LGBTQ rhetoric pic.twitter.com/FYHnTwjpjE
— Tim Klapac (@TimTimmah2) April 18, 2019
According to Towson University President Kim Schatzel, the external group of demonstrators calls themselves, "Bible Believers."
Schatzel said that the group, "unsuccessfully attempted to challenge our institutional values as a welcoming, diverse and inclusive campus was met with a community that proudly displayed our support for each other and our priority for safety."
Schatzel released a statement saying in part:
"While Towson University recognizes this group's right to free speech under the constitution and its legal right to occupy designated public use space on our campus, their messages are at odds with our relentless effort toward a more diverse and inclusive campus that supports every TU community member to thrive, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or levels of ableness."
Towson University's president also said that she was, "proud of our students' and our community's positive response. "
Schatzel also said that "Our entire community was inspired by the sounds of the TU Marching Band as well as those who raised inclusive flags, and waved #NotatTU posters to drown out hate with love."
No Towson University students were charged in this incident, according to the University.
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