UNC Fraternity members to speak at RNC convention in ‘everyday American’ lineup

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fraternity members who went viral for protecting the U.S. flag during a pro-Palestinian protest will speak at the Republican National Convention.

They will speak as a part of an “everyday American” segment of speakers that includes other college students, a former school employee, and a union manager.

The fraternity members are a part of the predominantly Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi, who were seen holding up the U.S. flag in the face of protesters, who they said threw objects at them.

The flag’s defense came during a pro-Palestinian uproar on college campuses in April and May that rocked the country and reinvigorated the conversation around the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In the wake of their newfound popularity, the frat members decided to start a GoFundMe in order to throw a “rager.”

“These boys … no, men, of the UNC frats, gave the best to America and now they deserve the best,” the GoFundMe says. They’ve raised over $515,000 as of July 12.

“We have been overwhelmed by the sheer force of patriotism on display,” organizer John Noonan said. “What started as a modest request to buy a few kegs for some great young guys has ballooned into an American cultural moment, with millions of people paying attention: Blue and red, left and right, all of the above.”

The money will be used for the party and donated to charity, among other things.

As for the RNC, the Trump campaign says convention “planners are putting together an unprecedented lineup of iconic entertainers, faith leaders, GOP officials, and members of the First Family, and the stars of the Convention also include everyday Americans, who have faced immense hardship and are worse off under the Biden-Harris administration,” according to a campaign statement on the event.

“President Donald J. Trump has a vision to Make America Great Again and policies to lift up all Americans. The Republican National Convention will provide a platform and voice for the workers, veterans, and families left behind in Joe Biden’s America.”

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The RNC is being held July 15 to July 18. Former President Donald Trump is expected to announce his running mate sometime during the event, if not before.

North Carolina is considered a battleground state this election cycle, and the RNC’s inclusion of notable speakers from the state comes with little surprise. Trump has consistently led in the state’s polling, most recently by 3 in a Morning Consult poll conducted July 1 to 4.