In some more campus shenanigans, students at Pennsylvania State University have created a petition that calls for hate groups to be banned from campus. At the top of that list is Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA. Founded in 2012, the group’s mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.” The organization is a conservative grassroots effort seeking to empower conservative students on college and high school campuses. According to the petition, Turning Point USA attracts white nationalists and should be deemed a “hate group.”
I’ve got a huge issue with that statement. First of all, conservative voices have a right to be heard, especially those of young people. Getting involved in politics should be applauded. Although I’m not a fan of Charlie Kirk, or even any speakers often associated with his organization, I think it’s admirable to set up something for young people to gather with other like-minded students. These days, many people with conservative values have been keeping their mouths shut out of fear. This is most evident on college campuses, where conservative guest speakers are often shut down by highly liberal protesters.
https://youtu.be/QCBd8QOh6m0
Accusing Turning Point USA of being a hate group because white nationalists share some of the organization’s values is like saying Black Lives Matter is a hate group because criminals share the same values. It just doesn’t make any sense. Of course white nationalists will identify with conservative views over liberal views, they’re white nationalists. It pains me to say this next sentence, but it makes my point very clearly. I may share certain opinions with Linda Sarsour, but that doesn’t mean I’m about to put on a pink p***y hat and march on Washington D.C. to protest white men being alive.
High school and college is where the free exchange of ideas should begin. Students should be able to express political beliefs without being ashamed or guilted into believing they are white supremacists. Many conservative students don’t fit in with groups that are organized on campuses. By connecting with others, it gives these students a chance to bond with one another outside of the political spectrum.
There are events listed on the Turning Point USA website such as Young Women’s Leadership Summit and Young Latino Leadership Summit. There is also an opportunity to go on a trip to Israel. I’ve yet to see a cross-burning ceremony listed anywhere.
If campuses seriously start banning conservative groups, they’re basically saying free speech is only important if you’re saying what the masses want to hear. The very nature of politics is to exchange ideas and counter them. I’m getting tired of seeing liberals on college campuses throw tantrums to stop conservative speakers, rather than challenge them with dialogue.
One of my hobbies is going back and forth with my conservative friends over various current events. We tag each other in hilarious memes and at the end of the day, our friendships remain intact. I don’t want to imagine a world where they are silenced or feel threatened to speak their minds.
