The planned 2026 International Peace Conference, which was scheduled for Sept. 18 at Long Beach City College, was canceled amid concerns about educational materials reportedly connected to the Church of Scientology, raising questions about transparency and the college’s role in approving campus activities.
A former United Nations advisor and a local nonprofit leader had their opportunities to speak to students canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances,” according to an email sent out the day before, on Constitution Day 2026.
Alisia Kirkwood, the associate vice president for the Pacific Coast Campus at Long Beach City College, was the first person The Viking interviewed the morning of the event, capturing her immediate reaction.
“I don’t have all the details, but the city (City of Long Beach) has a Park and Recreation and Partnerships department and that’s who we are working with,” Kirkwood said.
Kirkwood explained that the event was a collaboration with the City of Long Beach Park and Recreation and Partners of Parks departments as the main organizers, which requested Long Beach City College as the location and asked for promotional support.
A second sandwich board in front of the Student Union building at Trade Tech and Community Learning Campus announces the cancellation of the 2026 International Peace Conference on Sept. 18. “Unforeseen circumstances” was listed as the reason for the cancellation in an email sent to students Sept. 17. (Diosa Hippolyta)
According to the approved flier, Mary Shuttleworth, president of Youth for Human Rights International, was also scheduled as a keynote speaker.
The flier invited attendees to take part in collaborative workshops, engage in impactful dialogue, participate in fun cultural activities, celebrate diversity, promote peace and build community.
“The organization (Youth for Human Rights) materials did not align with the college (Long Beach City College),” said Derek Oriee, the main contact for the collaborative event with the City of Long Beach.
According to the website of the organization, “Youth for Human Rights International is a nonprofit, international human rights education program proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists in pursuit of the humanitarian objectives of a drug-free, crime-free world where human rights are a reality—as envisioned by L. Ron Hubbard and spearheaded by David Miscavige.”
The all-day event was designed for attendees to engage and interact with international activities and to learn about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event was sponsored by several organizations, like Long Beach PAC (Performing Arts Collective), City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine, Partners of Parks and Long Beach City College administration and staff.
The Viking followed up with another interview with Oriee Sept. 25 to verify reports about the cancellation being due to an affiliation with the Church of Scientology.
“It was a red flag to me knowing we shouldn’t be doing this,” said Derek Oriee, student activities advisor at LBCC for both LAC and TTC, describing the materials provided during the planning and preparation period.
“The best thing I can tell you is research that (Youth for Human Rights International) and you will figure it out,” said Oriee.
A sandwich board near the administration building at Trade Tech and Community Learning Campus announces the cancellation of the 2026 International Peace Conference on Sept. 18. The conference, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, according to an email sent to students Sept. 17. (Diosa Hippolyta)
Despite the canceling, Kirkwood still has hope that another event similar to this one will be held at LBCC in the future.
“I am hopeful to do something like that on campus and do something centered on peace,” said Kirkwood
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