Eventbrite removes Riley Gaines speaking event for violating guidelines.
American Eventbrite Removes Appearance by Former NCAA Swimmer Riley Gaines
The popular event management and ticketing company, Eventbrite, has recently caused controversy by removing an upcoming appearance by former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines from its website. Gaines, known for her outspoken views against biological males participating in women’s sports, was scheduled to speak at the University of California, Davis in November as part of her “Speak Louder Campus Tour.”
While the speaking event still appears on Gaines’s personal website, it has been taken down from Eventbrite due to alleged violations of the company’s “community guidelines and terms of service.”
Eventbrite informed Gaines via email that she was prohibited from promoting her speech on their platform. Gaines shared a screenshot of the email on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Oct. 25.
The email stated, ”We have determined that your event is not permitted on the Eventbrite marketplace as it violates our Community Guidelines and Terms of Service, with which all users agree to comply. Specifically, we do not allow content or events that discriminate against, harass, disparage, threaten, incite violence against, or otherwise target individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability.”The email continued, “As a result, your event has been unpublished. Please be aware that severe or repeated violations of our guidelines may result in the suspension or termination of your Eventbrite account.”
Gaines responded to the situation on X, urging her followers to give Eventbrite “the Bud Light treatment,” referring to the backlash faced by beer-maker Bud Light after partnering with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney earlier this year. Gaines emphasized that advocating for women’s rights is not a hate crime.
Transgender Issues Still Advertised on Eventbrite
Interestingly, while Gaines’s event was removed, Eventbrite continues to advertise multiple other events related to transgender issues. These include discussions on transgender experiences in the workplace, a ”Transgender Day of Remembrance,” and guidance on being an ally to transgender individuals.
The Epoch Times has reached out to Eventbrite for further comment.
Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, has previously shared her traumatic experience of being physically assaulted and held against her will while giving a speech on the injustices faced by women in sports. She has also spoken out about uncomfortable locker room encounters with transgender athlete Lia Thomas.It is clear that the controversy surrounding Gaines and her views on transgender participation in women’s sports is far from over.
How can platforms like Eventbrite balance the importance of free speech with preventing the promotion of discrimination or hate speech?
E platform as it violates our community guidelines and terms of service. Specifically, we do not allow events that promote discrimination or hate speech.” The email did not provide specific details regarding the alleged violation.
The removal of Gaines’s appearance from Eventbrite has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and the platform’s policies on controversial topics. Many supporters of Gaines argue that her views on biological males participating in women’s sports are valid and should be allowed to be expressed. They believe that Eventbrite’s decision to remove her event is an infringement on her right to free speech.
On the other hand, critics of Gaines argue that her views promote discrimination and exclusion. They contend that Eventbrite made the right decision to remove her event, as it aligns with their community guidelines to prevent the promotion of hate speech and discrimination.
This incident comes amidst a larger debate surrounding transgender rights and inclusivity in sports. The participation of transgender athletes in sports has been a heavily debated topic, with arguments on both sides regarding fairness and inclusivity. Various sports organizations and institutions have implemented policies to address this issue, but it remains a contentious and complex subject.
Eventbrite, as a prominent event management and ticketing company, plays a significant role in providing a platform for individuals to promote and organize events. Their decision to remove Gaines’s appearance raises questions about the company’s responsibility in handling controversial topics. Should Eventbrite have the authority to determine what events are allowed on their platform based on their guidelines, or should they prioritize freedom of speech and allow diverse viewpoints to be expressed?
While Eventbrite’s actions may be seen as a form of censorship by some, it is important to consider the wider implications and consequences of allowing certain events to be promoted. The line between free speech and hate speech can be blurred, and platforms like Eventbrite have the responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful and discriminatory ideologies.
This incident also highlights the crucial need for open dialogue and respectful discussions on contentious issues. It is essential to create spaces where diverse perspectives can be shared and debated constructively, without resorting to censorship or silencing opposing views.
Ultimately, the removal of Riley Gaines’s appearance from Eventbrite raises important questions about the balance between free speech and preventing the promotion of discrimination or hate speech. As society continues to navigate complex issues surrounding transgender rights and inclusivity, it is crucial to foster dialogue and find ways to bridge the gap between different perspectives.
Eventbrite’s decision has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibility of platforms in facilitating discussions on sensitive topics. It remains to be seen how the company will respond to the criticism and whether they will review their guidelines to provide more clarity and transparency regarding controversial events.
In the meantime, the debate on transgender rights in sports and freedom
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