UC Davis Employee's Outburst Against Drag Performers Sparks Controversy and University Response

In a recent incident that has ignited debate over inclusivity and freedom of expression, a University of California, Davis employee found herself at the center of controversy following a heated confrontation with drag performers at a Hawaii hotel. The altercation, which was captured on video and quickly went viral, has prompted responses from both the university and state officials.

Beth Bourne, identified as a program manager for UC Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies, was recorded berating a group of drag queens in the lobby of the Alohilani Resort in Waikīkī. The performers were reportedly participating in a pride event and filming a commercial when Bourne approached them, expressing her disapproval in strong terms.

In the video, Bourne can be heard accusing the drag performers of degrading women and creating an unsafe environment for her children. "Because you put on makeup, you're wearing high heels, you have a Barbie outfit on, you don't think this is degrading?" Bourne questioned. She further stated, "This is misogyny... if you give me back my money right now, I will leave the hotel, but I'm not going to have my children come down from the 30th floor and see what's happening here."

The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, prompting Hawaii Governor Josh Green to weigh in. In a statement to HawaiiNewsNow, Governor Green expressed support for the performers, saying he was "proud of the performers from Hawai'i's LGBTQIA community who maintained their dignity and integrity in the face of such a hostile attack."

In response to the growing controversy, UC Davis issued a statement condemning the employee's comments without specifically naming Bourne. The university emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ community, particularly during Pride Month. The statement read in part, "We condemn these statements as deeply hurtful. While the employee's comments are protected by the First Amendment, they do not reflect the values of respect and belonging that form the foundation of our campus community."

Bourne, who is also the Yolo County chair for the Moms for Liberty group, later shared her perspective on social media. She defended her actions, stating that she was speaking as a private citizen and that her comments were made outside the scope of her work at the university. Bourne also criticized Governor Green for defending the drag performers instead of "parents like me who find drag inappropriate for children and offensive to women."

This incident has reignited discussions about the boundaries of free speech, the role of educational institutions in promoting inclusivity, and the ongoing debates surrounding drag performances and their place in public spaces. As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between personal beliefs, professional responsibilities, and societal values.

Why This Matters: This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between different viewpoints on gender expression, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of educational institutions in promoting inclusivity. It raises important questions about the boundaries between personal beliefs and professional conduct, as well as the responsibilities of public figures and institutions in fostering a respectful and diverse community.

Key Takeaways:

• A UC Davis employee was filmed confronting drag performers at a Hawaii hotel, sparking controversy.
• The incident prompted responses from Hawaii's governor and UC Davis, emphasizing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
• The employee defended her actions, citing concerns about child appropriateness and women's representation.
• The event has reignited debates about free speech, inclusivity, and the role of drag performances in public spaces.
• It underscores the challenges educational institutions face in balancing diverse viewpoints with commitments to inclusivity.