Potential Protest at UVA
A group calling themselves “Friends of Fascism” has announced plans for a “tailgate” event at the University of Virginia this Friday evening, where they intend to burn the American flag while serving food and drinks.
Greg Price, who works as a rapid response strategist for the White House, shared the group’s notice on social media. Yet, there are questions about the authenticity of this organization, as it appears that no one in the college community has heard of them before.
The gathering seems to stand in opposition to an executive order from President Donald Trump, which aims to penalize flag burning when inciting violence. This order could pose a legal challenge to such demonstrations, following a Supreme Court ruling in 1989 that deemed flag burning a protected form of speech under the First Amendment.
Trump’s order looks to sidestep that ruling by targeting those who “incite violence” while handling the flag or who otherwise break laws related to it.
Kirk Wolf, a student at the University of Virginia Law School and a U.S. Navy veteran, suggested to a news outlet that the event is intended as a symbolic protest against the president’s directive. He has been vocal about his stance, stating that the president cannot dictate what the law is, emphasizing the need to uphold free speech and democracy.
This isn’t the first instance of Wolf protesting Trump. Previously, he faced threats of expulsion for a demonstration at the law school, although he ultimately was not penalized when it was determined he hadn’t violated any rules.
The “tailgate” invitation also notably includes a callout to the U.S. Army. However, officials at the University of Virginia Law School have clarified that the group Wolf is associated with does not represent an official student organization, nor has it been authorized to hold events on campus.
“Friends of Fascism” is not recognized as an official UVA student group and has not sought approval for any such gatherings,” stated a spokesperson. University officials are currently looking into the validation of this organization.
