The German Club of Regina Faces Backlash Over Hosting Controversial Event

The German Club of Regina, a cultural and social organization in Saskatchewan, Canada, has found itself at the center of a heated controversy. The club is facing online vitriol and threats after it agreed to host a fundraiser for the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan on March 1. The event, which has sparked outrage, features a panel discussion on the idea of Saskatchewan potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States. While the club has emphasized that it does not endorse the political views of the organizations that rent its facilities, it has been targeted with hateful comments, racial slurs, and even threats of protests and violence.

The Backlash and Online Vitriol

The backlash against the German Club of Regina has been intense, with many individuals taking to social media to express their anger and disappointment. According to Kerri Van Loosen, the club’s manager, the online attacks have been relentless. People have labeled the club as fascists and neo-Nazis, and some have even gone so far as to suggest that the club is supporting a Nazi regime. Van Loosen shared that the club has received messages warning them to “watch our backs” and threatening protests. Some individuals have also directed personal attacks, stating that the club deserves to be targeted and shaming the German community as a whole.

Despite the venomous nature of these attacks, Van Loosen has been clear in her response. She has repeatedly stated that the club’s role is simply to provide a venue and services for events. The club does not inquire into the political beliefs or motivations of the organizations that rent its facilities, as this is not part of its business model. “We do not ask what their organization’s beliefs are, political views are, or what their business that day is about… because that is not our business,” Van Loosen explained in a social media post.

The Buffalo Party’s Response to the Backlash

The Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan, the organization hosting the controversial fundraiser, has come to the defense of the German Club of Regina. Tim Kasprick, a Buffalo Party candidate running in Yorkton for the 2024 election, condemned the attacks directed at the club, calling them uncivil and unacceptable. Kasprick pointed out that the racial slurs and hateful comments being hurled at the club are indicative of the individuals perpetuating the attacks. He likened these online trolls to those commonly found on the internet, emphasizing that their behavior is not reflective of meaningful or constructive dialogue.

The Buffalo Party has maintained that its event is focused on exploring the idea of Saskatchewan becoming the 51st U.S. state, a concept that has garnered both interest and criticism. While the party acknowledges that this idea is controversial, it argues that it is important to create a space for such discussions to take place. The party has also made it clear that it does not condone the vitriol directed at the German Club of Regina, stating that the club is simply providing a neutral venue for the event.

Safety Concerns and Police Involvement

The situation has taken a more serious turn, with concerns about safety rising to the forefront. Van Loosen revealed that the club has filed a police report after being notified of a potential protest planned for the night of the event. She expressed her fears for the safety of her staff, herself, her husband, and the club’s building. The club has previously been a victim of hate crimes, and Van Loosen stated that she is taking steps to be proactive in preventing any potential harm.

The Regina Police Service has confirmed that it is aware of the possibility of a protest and is currently assessing whether a police presence will be required at the event. The police have not provided further details on their plans, but their involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation. The club has also received messages of support from the community, with many individuals expressing their solidarity and rejecting the hateful rhetoric directed at the organization.

The Broader Implications of the Controversy

The controversy surrounding the German Club of Regina highlights a number of broader issues, including the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to prevent hate and intolerance. While the club has been clear that it does not endorse the views of the Buffalo Party, it has faced criticism for providing a platform for the event. This has led to a broader conversation about the role of neutral venues in hosting controversial events and the responsibility that comes with it.

Van Loosen has been vocal in her defense of the club’s neutrality, stating that it is not the club’s place to judge the beliefs or actions of the organizations that rent its facilities. She has emphasized that the club’s mission is to provide a space for cultural and social events, and that it should not be held responsible for the views expressed at those events. At the same time, she has called on those who oppose the event to respect the club’s role in the community and not to attack the venue or the German culture it represents.

As the situation continues to unfold, the German Club of Regina remains committed to its mission of promoting German culture and providing a welcoming space for the community. Despite the challenges posed by the backlash, the club has reiterated that it will not allow the hateful actions of a few to dictate how it operates. Instead, it will continue to focus on fostering understanding, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, even in the face of adversity.

The ongoing controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and engaging in constructive dialogue, even when disagreements arise. By standing firm in its commitment to neutrality and cultural exchange, the German Club of Regina is setting an example of resilience and integrity in the face of adversity.