Hayden Williams, 26, who was assaulted while helping recruit conservatives at U-C Berkeley, told national media that places of higher learning are aggressively hostile to diversity of thought.
“I can tell you firsthand, over the past few months I’ve been doing this, and this is a very disturbing trend at multiple universities across the country,” he said Monday on “The Todd Starnes Show” about the xenophobia that conservatives are experiencing on college campuses.
Two men last Tuesday approached his table at the University of California, Berkeley where the activist was recruiting members to the conservative group Turning Point USA, although he is not a member himself. An argument ensued and Williams held up his cell phone and began filming the two men who were allegedly harassing him.
One of the two men knocked over the table, police said, and then punched Williams several times, causing injuries to his face. Much of the incident was captured on a witness’ cellphone.
Berkeley police told reporters on Monday afternoon that there is no new information to report.
My friend, Hayden, wants to thank all of you for the love and support. He’s giving you a wink, and wanted to let you know you’ll be hearing from him soon! pic.twitter.com/6kPmFZgQgz— Brad Devlin (@bradleydevlin) February 21, 2019
Williams, who is not a student, is a field representative of the Leadership Institute, and in that role helps train and organize conservative students on college campuses across the country. He had been invited by Turning Point USA, which is in the midst of establishing a chapter at Berkeley, to man the table at the plaza on campus.
Williams reiterated that he will not be intimidated into staying quiet about his conservative views, and will continue being an advocate dedicated to traditional beliefs and values.
