Syan Swanger, Opinion Editor
On Thursday, Sept. 18, an Instagram post created much discourse on campus. A post began circulating announcing the foundation of a new club at Millersville. Freshmen Sidonia Cecco and Emma Martin, informed students that they were starting a chapter of Turning Point USA at Millersville University. Turning Point USA is an organization founded by Charlie Kirk that centers on promoting traditional conservative values. According to the organization’s student programs website, “Turning Point USA’s student program exists to educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets, and freedom.”
The installation of a chapter of Turning Point USA at Millersville came just a week after Charlie Kirk’s death.
“We decided to start a chapter of TPUSA at Millersville because we wanted to create a space for students with values similar to our own, but also anyone who might disagree or think differently to have open dialogue and conversation,”said Martin. “We aim to engage the Millersville community and student body in discussions on topics that are both relevant and essential today. We believe that through open dialogue and thought-provoking discussions, we can challenge current narratives and foster understanding within our community.” Martin also explained that the overall goals of the club were to connect conservative students across campus and educate those that are interested about conservative American values.
As far as where the club is in the process of getting officially recognized by Millersville University, Martin stated that they have attained a letter of support from their faculty advisor, Matthew Helsel, and are finalizing all paperwork before submitting it to the Student Government Organization for approval. The post announcing a chapter of Turning Point USA starting at Millersville led to a lot of debate in the comments. As of this past Sunday, Sept. 21,the post had 144 comments after only being up for three days. These comments were a mixture of praise and applause for the two young girls and criticism for the ideas and beliefs of the club. However, hate comments seemed to be the loudest. Martin explained that all the negativity their post gathers can be very discouraging, but they choose to remain calm and level headed morning forward and are excited to start the club despite many people’s outrage.
“It honestly fuels my fire. The push-back we’ve been receiving just reaffirms that our mission to engage the student body in respectful conversations is necessary,”said Cecco. “Throwing insults and threats is never the answer.”
Martin and Cecco say they are excited to bring the values and education of Turning Point USA to Millersville University. Their official application to the SGA board is in its final stages. After their club is officially approved, the students will begin organizing meetings and creating opportunities to bring together conservative students and teach others about conservative beliefs.
