By Alex Thompson, President, Turning Point SRU
Most people agree that college campuses should allow and promote open dialogue about a range of topics, including politics, as part of the learning process and a search for knowledge.
However, the reality can be far different, even here at SRU.
In fact, so many times on campus, I have seen people hide what they believe because they are afraid of what their friends will think. So many people feel the need to hide from being themselves to fit in at college because of the liberal-leaning administration of the university. Others are afraid to express themselves for fear of being disliked or punished by professors for their beliefs.
But it shouldn’t be that way.
Turning Point at SRU offers another choice, a space where students don’t have to hide their views and ideas. Dedicated to free speech and open debate, we invite students on both sides of the political aisle to have a voice.
As the only club to promote constitutional and conservative values on campus, and with the college progressives being a vocal club on campus, the necessity for our club increases. Our club is vital to create a balance in conversations on campus.
What is Turning Point?
Turning Point SRU is affiliated with Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012 to promote informed civic engagement and principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government. As members, we have the opportunity to learn about issues that impact our country and attend national events with leading public figures.
Turning Point SRU is a constitutional values club. We focus on promoting the First Amendment as the main topic for our club. We want students to feel that they have a voice on campus against the normal liberal agenda of universities. We also want students to have a space with their fellow students and friends where they feel they can express their political views in a safe way.
Turning Point USA is also an America-first organization. We believe that America is the greatest country on the planet, and we as its citizens should be proud to live here and proud of what we believe.
Finally, Turning Point USA at Slippery Rock University wants everyone to know that we welcome all ideas and mindsets. Our club wants discussion and open talk among students. Our club might be a conservative club on campus, but we want to make sure all voices are heard. For example, our e-board does not agree on all policies, so we hosted a debate earlier this semester as a way to demonstrate effective civil discourse.
Get Involved
Please, whether you agree with our views politically or not, we encourage you to come to see what we have to offer as a club and as an organization. Balancing the political beliefs on a college campus can be extremely difficult, but the more people who talk, the easier it will be.
We also encourage you to attend our events to learn about issues from multiple points of view.
Last year, we hosted Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate of women’s rights in sports.
Next week, we will be hosting Paige Roux, a nationally recognized firearms instructor, young business owner and Second Amendment advocate. If you believe in the Second Amendment or don’t know much about it, or want to see a young entrepreneur who is making a difference, get your tickets at sru.universitytickets.com. It’s a free event April 9 at 7 p.m.
On April 24, we will be hosting another great event, the first panel discussion about the attempted assassination of President Trump at the Butler Farm Show. We’ll be joined by politicians, first responders and a national journalist who were on the scene. Free tickets are available at sru.universitytickets.com.
Turning Point SRU meets every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Spotts 111, and we encourage everyone to join us. If you have any questions or want to find out more, message us on Instagram @tpusa_sru.
