The University of Washington has canceled a lecture by socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, citing a flawed planning process. Piker, a far-left streamer and YouTube personality, was set to appear in January as part of the school’s 2026-27 Speaker Series.
Free Speech Concerns
The cancellation has prompted criticism from First Amendment advocates, with the nonprofit civil liberties group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemning the move. FIRE argued that public universities can set standards for events, but they cannot use those standards as cover for canceling a speaker because of their views.
Piker, who previously said America ‘deserved 9/11’ before later calling the remark ‘inappropriate,’ has faced backlash for his comments. He recently called for Democrats who oppose Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed to face consequences for not holding the party line.
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has also spoken out against Piker’s rhetoric, saying he would not be in the same party as Piker if Piker becomes a force in the Democratic Party.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
