A University of Washington lecture featuring progressive Twitch commentator Hasan Piker is off, with school officials citing a flawed planning process as the reason for the cancellation.Piker, a far-left streamer and YouTube personality, was set to appear in January as part of the school’s 2026-27 Speaker Series, the university said in a statement.However, following "a review of the process by which the event was planned," the university canceled the event.MARK HALPERIN CALLS HASAN PIKER A 'HORRIBLE PERSON' AS DEMOCRATS FACE PRESSURE TO DISTANCE FROM STREAMERHasan Piker, a streamer and creator, appears during day two of Web Summit Vancouver 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on May 13, 2026.(Sportsfile via Getty Images)"It was determined that the process for organizing this event did not meet the necessary level of rigor for University-hosted events in the Speaker Series," the statement said."Going forward, procedures will be updated to ensure the standards we have for University-hosted events like the Speaker Series are met, particularly so that we can help elevate the level of dialogue on divisive topics during a polarized time in our country," it added.The university’s cancellation of Piker, who previously said America "deserved 9/11" before later calling the remark "inappropriate," has prompted criticism from First Amendment advocates, with the nonprofit civil liberties group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemning the move."If the decision was based on process — and not public backlash or criticism — @UW should be transparent about what standards were not met and how they were applied," the organization said in an X post.FOX NEWS POLL: FAITH IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE US IS COLLAPSINGStreamer and creator Hasan Piker speaks at a press conference during day two of Web Summit Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada, on May 13, 2026.
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