A quiet liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon, is poised to become the unlikely venue for a controversial gathering. Organized by its own Prison Abolition Club, a multi-day symposium is raising serious questions about the line between political activism and the preparation for unlawful acts.
The event, titled “Bad Trouble,” is scheduled for April 13th through 15th and promises to delve into the strategies of “violent direct action.” Critics allege this goes far beyond peaceful protest, venturing into the realm of terrorism and radicalization, particularly given the group’s affiliations.
At the heart of the concern lies the symposium’s curriculum. Participants will be asked to grapple with the role of violence in social justice movements and to critically assess the effectiveness of their actions. A key focus appears to be minimizing legal repercussions and actively hindering law enforcement.
One scheduled session, “Grab Your Comrades Back Training,” explicitly instructs attendees on how to interfere with lawful arrests – a tactic referred to as “de-arrest.” Another, “Anarchist Communique Readings,” will analyze manifestos from groups claiming responsibility for past attacks, seemingly drawing inspiration from them.
The event’s promotional materials are stark and unsettling. Attendees are explicitly instructed to wear masks, and the imagery features a burning police vehicle, smashed windows, and tools associated with destruction – gas cans, bolt cutters, and barbed wire. The message is undeniably provocative.
The symposium’s organizers are not operating in secrecy. The Prison Abolition Club’s official page openly states its goal: the complete dismantling of prisons, policing, jails, and surveillance. This radical vision fuels the concerns surrounding the event’s true purpose.
Portland itself has a well-documented history of unrest, serving as a focal point for Antifa and anarchist activity. The city endured widespread damage during the 2020 riots and saw further protests in 2025 targeting federal facilities, often marked by violence and destruction.
The college, while private, receives substantial federal funding through student aid programs. This raises questions about the appropriateness of hosting an event that some believe actively prepares individuals to engage in illegal and potentially dangerous activities.
Initial online postings about the symposium have reportedly been removed from the college’s website, but archived versions remain accessible, fueling speculation about an attempt to conceal the event’s details. The controversy continues to escalate as the scheduled dates draw nearer.
The situation presents a complex dilemma for the college: balancing academic freedom with the responsibility to ensure a safe and lawful environment. The coming days will likely determine how Lewis & Clark College navigates this increasingly fraught situation.
