Conservative students at the University of Iowa who are part of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) experienced a setback when their banner promoting a Pro-Israel event was defaced within three hours after being put up on campus. The YAF banner promoted an upcoming event featuring conservative writer and podcast host Ian Haworth, scheduled to take place at the University of Iowa campus on October 7, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel.
YAF National Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan spoke out about the defacing, stating that it is not surprising, as they had experienced hostility before during their Paula Scanlan event in March. According to Jordan, the first Paula Scanlan banner was torn off and stomped on by someone likely employed by the university. Moreover, she mentioned that chalk messages are erased, posters are torn down almost immediately throughout campus and downtown Iowa City, with people even calling for members of their organization to be beaten with hammers.
Jordan expressed concern about the hostile environment created at the University of Iowa and how it might impact prospective students who wish to feel safe, included, and welcome on campus. She also highlighted that leftist groups should not continue such behavior without facing consequences. The YAF National Chairwoman emphasized that “Hostages being taken is not a political issue, and it should not be silenced, which is exactly what these terrorist sympathizers aim to do by attacking our promotions.
YAF has reported the incident to the University of Iowa Police Department, submitted a formal statement, and reached out to the UIowa Student Accountability. Jordan plans to request a meeting with the University President to discuss this matter and address the issue of blatant and deliberate hatred on campus. She hopes that the person responsible for defacing their banner will be identified and prosecuted, as a camera was placed above this location after the previous incident involving the Paula Scanlan banner.
Despite the setback, Jordan stated that YAF would continue to promote the truth on campus with even more fervor and determination. She also encouraged the person responsible for defacing their banner to attend a YAF meeting or come to their event to ask Ian Haworth a question, expressing her desire to understand why they did what they did.