*This article was written before Charlie Kirk was killed. The Linfield Review and the students featured in this story do not endorse political violence of any kind.*
Turning Point USA, a self-described conservative activist movement, set up a table in front of Dillin Hall on Aug. 27 to talk to students and pass out flyers and buttons. Signs by the table read, “My Campus My Voice,” “Your Rights Your Protection Your 2nd” and “Dump Your Socialist Girlfriend.” They also set up a table at the Activities Fair on Aug. 24, but did not stay for the event.
“Our organization is at Linfield because it allows students of similar ideals to come together and express our views,” said sophomore political science and journalism and media studies double major Dakota Hill, speaking on behalf of Turning Point USA Student Leaders at Linfield University. “The current college environment across the U.S. is typically a more left-leaning environment, so having a space for conservative views will help educate students.”
To follow through on these objectives, the organization is trying to establish a more permanent presence at Linfield.
“We are working with the clubs and organizations department at the school,” said Hill. “We know the faculty will treat us with the same courtesy they do to all other clubs.”
This has been called into question.
“As of Sept. 8 nobody affiliated with Turning Point USA has reached out to me about starting a branch here at Linfield nor has anyone filled out the form,” said junior political science and journalism and media studies double major Kenny McMillen who also serves as the ASLU Vice President of Student Involvement. “If they are interested in becoming a recognized student group on campus, I invite them to reach out to me or ASLU and we will handle that request as we do for anyone who wants to start a club or organization on campus.”
Many Linfield students have concerns about this organization’s presence on campus.
“Turning Point as an organization likes to aggravate and draw reactions out of college students, out of marginalized people; it’s a lot of their social media content,” said a student who would like to remain anonymous. “Aside from their views alone, it makes a lot of people on this campus feel targeted by them. I feel extremely uncomfortable just by their presence.”
When asked about this perspective, Hill said, “Turning Point USA is non-partisan and our focus is on popular and important political issues. If any student is concerned about our presence, then they do not have to engage with us. We are here to promote hard work, free speech and our constitutional rights.”
The organization has a branch dedicated to outreach on college campuses. Their goal, as described by their website, states, “Turning Point USA’s student program exists to educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets and freedom.”
Some of what can be seen from Turning Point USA’s online presence appears to contradict or not reflect statements made by Hill.
Charlie Kirk, their founder and CEO, spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, indicating his and Turning Point’s partisan support for the party and for Donald Trump.
Videos on the internet show Kirk debating left-leaning students on college campuses about a variety of topics. Debate is ordinarily considered a staple of free speech and the First Amendment, but not all of these debates are equal. Kirk and other members of TPUSA have a tendency to interrupt their conversation partner, causing quick, snappy exchanges to come through, but honest and in-depth debate to be lost.
This is especially true when the question is complicated and nuanced, such as in one Instagram reel posted on Aug. 27, which contains a back and forth between Kirk and a student.
“Do you have a right to life once you exist?” said Kirk.
“Yes, but then the argument is…” said the student.
“Well, you said yes,” said Kirk, over the statement of the student.
“…when does life begin,” said the student.
“But you didn’t answer the question,” Kirk said.
The question that Kirk raises isn’t an easy one, and might require more than the one word answer the student was given. The effect of debates like this is to embarrass left-leaning students who, unlike TPUSA’s representatives, have not prepared for this debate, and don’t have a one-word answer to these fascinating and layered questions.
Some of the organization’s views, such as those that have raised concerns in students, can be seen on TPUSA social media. When non-student members of TPUSA visit college campuses, they argue against the validity of trans people, insinuate that rap music and other elements of “black culture” are inherently violent, oppose legal abortion and say that women should be homemakers instead of having careers, among other views.
Turning Point’s presence on Linfield’s campus has been student-led, and these examples do not come from Turning Point USA at Linfield. However, any organization that is represented by an organization whose views could harm Linfield students, or make them feel targeted or uncomfortable might deserve some extra scrutiny from students and staff.
