Olivia Krolczyk repsonds to protests at University of Washington

‘Woke culture thrives on silencing opposing voices, but free speech means protecting the right to hear and debate viewpoints we may not agree with,’ Krolczyk said.

‘I hope to return to the University of Washington in the future to have this important conversation in a safe and respectful environment,’ she concluded.


Olivia Krolczyk released a statement following an incident in which protesters disrupted an event at which Krolczyk was meant to speak about the dangers of gender ideology. 

Krolczyk, ambassador for the Riley Gaines Center at Leadership, said in a statement to Campus Reform

“As an Ambassador for the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute, I was at the University of Washington on Tuesday night to speak as a guest of Turning Point USA’s UW Chapter. My speech focused on Title IX, protecting women’s rights, and keeping boys out of women’s sports—an essential part of the Riley Gaines Center’s mission to bring another conversation to America’s college campuses.

“Despite the university being notified days in advance of a potential security risk, protesters gathered outside the venue, pulled fire alarms, vandalized the area, and even broke classroom windows by throwing objects inside. It was clear the situation was escalating, and the University of Washington Police Department determined it was too dangerous for the event to continue. To ensure my safety, the police had to dress me in their gear to escort me out of the building. I am incredibly grateful for the quick-thinking and professionalism of the UWPD officers who ensured my safety and the safety of those in attendance.

[RELATED: Mom of Utah State University daughter outraged over school placing male RA in female dorm: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

“I was fully prepared to continue with my presentation—I didn’t come to Seattle to be silenced. But I respected law enforcement’s recommendation not to proceed given the immediate security threat posed by these protesters. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of students, speakers, and the university community when campuses fail to ensure security for the free exchange of ideas. I hope the University of Washington will back up their words with action by holding those responsible for the disruption and destruction accountable. We’re even happy to provide them with video footage of the protesters so that justice can be served.

“In today’s culture, it is more important than ever to foster tolerance for ideas that may challenge the status quo. Woke culture thrives on silencing opposing voices, but free speech means protecting the right to hear and debate viewpoints we may not agree with. We must stand against this rising intolerance and encourage dialogue rather than destruction. Academic institutions should lead the way in ensuring that all voices can be heard—not just the ones that fit within the current cultural narrative. I hope to return to the University of Washington in the future to have this important conversation in a safe and respectful environment.”

The University of Washington also issued a statement. 

University spokesperson Victor Balta spoke to “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH about the incident, saying: “Informed discussion and debate are encouraged on our campus, however, it is clear that presenters and disruptors are, in some cases, seeking to antagonize one another in ways that provide dramatic content for their social media feeds. Tuesday’s scheduled speaker told the student newspaper that she was ‘excited’ the event was shut down.”

[RELATED: Riley Gaines Center shows support for two volleyball teams who refused to play against men]

Krolczyk’s specific statement that Balta was seemingly referring to was: “I’m almost excited (about being shut down), I know that sounds weird, but I’m excited because that means we’re doing something right. . . We’re speaking the truth and they can’t handle it … I’m going to keep preaching the truth because that’s what God wants me to do,” as KTTH reported. 

Balta also spoke to Campus Reform, clarifying that “the responsibility for the disruption, which is unacceptable, is placed on those who sought to shut down the event and we absolutely condemn anyone trying to disrupt another person’s right to speak.

He also added that “[t]he responsibility for interrupting last night’s event falls on those whose actions were disruptive and damaging, including breaking a window, graffiti in the building and wasting firefighters’ time with a false fire alarm. Anyone who is identified to have been responsible for vandalism or property damage will be pursued through legal channels.

He concluded: “Again, those seeking to disrupt and shut down speakers are ultimately responsible and will face legal and disciplinary action if they are identified. It is also important for organizers to follow advice provided by UWPD regarding security if the true intention is to hold an event without disruption. The costs to the University, the state and taxpayers to allow our campus to serve as the backdrop for these disruptions and exchanges is significant, and we will continue to do everything we can to enable student groups to host events without disruption.

Campus Reform has reached out to the University of Washington for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.