Stephen Colbert Forced to Leave Harvard Event Amid Protests
Stephen Colbert and Yo-Yo Ma exit Harvard event after fire alarm triggered by protests.
2 min read
Stephen Colbert, the late-night comedian and former host of ‘The Late Show,’ was forced to leave a Harvard University event after a fire alarm was triggered amid intense protests by liberal student union members. The incident occurred during a discussion titled ‘Arts for Life’s Sake’ at Sanders Theatre, where Colbert and cellist Yo-Yo Ma were scheduled to speak.
The event, which was attended by a full house, was disrupted by a group of striking graduate students who had been protesting outside the venue. The protesters, affiliated with the Harvard Graduate Student Union (HGSU), had been demanding better contract terms for workers, including wage increases and protections for non-citizens. During the discussion, the protesters used air horns and drums to drown out the speakers, making it difficult for the audience to hear.
Fire Alarm Forces Event to End
Forty minutes into the event, a fire alarm was triggered, forcing organizers to cut the event short and escort Colbert and Ma out of the venue. The 90-minute scheduled talk did not resume. The union members denied responsibility for triggering the alarm, stating they had no knowledge of how it occurred.
The HGSU had hoped that Colbert, who had previously supported labor strikes, and Yo-Yo Ma, a Harvard graduate, would avoid walking the picket line. However, both had defied the union’s requests to cancel the event. The union had been on strike since October 27, demanding better working conditions and protections for non-citizens.
Protesters Continue Outside
After the event was abruptly ended, the protesters remained outside the venue, holding signs that read ‘AI can’t replace me,’ ‘Protect noncitizen workers,’ and ‘Teachers, researchers for a fair contract.’ They chanted slogans such as ‘1-2-3-4, Harvard pay your workers more.’ The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing labor dispute at Harvard, highlighting the tension between academic institutions and their staff.
Source: Breitbart
