Progressive lawmaker pushes University of Washington to reinstate Hasan Piker talk

A top House Democrat, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, publicly condemned the University of Washington’s decision to drop a scheduled talk by far-left commentator Hasan Piker. In a statement on X, she urged students to work with the institution and noted that, as a Judiciary Committee member, she views free speech as a constitutional guarantee. The university responded that the event was cancelled because the organizing process failed to meet its standards for campus-hosted programs.

Piker asserted the cancellation was linked to his outspoken criticism of Israel, a claim that has drawn criticism from groups such as Turning Point USA and the Anti-Defamation League. The controversy has resurfaced amid Piker’s recent campaign activities with progressive candidates like Abdul El-Sayed and Francesca Hong. One outlet sought comment from Piker on the dispute, but no response was recorded.