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Writer's pictureLa Raza Pre-Law Student Association

Free speech or not? Turning Point USA

Recently a widespread of tweets, media posts, and discussions have circulated around the shocking news concerning Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA coming to UC Davis. As revealed, Kirk was invited by the UC Davis Turning Point USA chapter to speak on Tuesday, March 14th at 6pm at the Credit Union Center “The Pavillion”.



Who is Turning Point USA? Turning Point USA is, as they claim, “is a [national] 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote freedom” (Turning Point USA). Within UC Davis, there is an active chapter, known as Turning Point USA at UC Davis. Like any other student-run organization that exist on-campus, Turning Point USA at UC Davis is a registered far right group who push forth conservative ideals on a variety of topics (e.g., politics, race, etc.).



Why does this matter? Last year, on a Tuesday evening, October 25th, Turning Point USA at UC Davis invited Stephen Davis, also referred to as “MAGA Hulk” to speak about systemic racism being a “myth”. However, the event was forced to be canceled due to a brawl that erupted between approximately 100 protestors and counterprotestors, some who were later identified to belong to the Proud Boys group. During this event, Proud Boys were witnessed using pepper spray, knocking over barricades and removing the traffic cones that protestors had set up. Antifa supporters were also seen using pepper spray as a response to the Proud Boys actions. There were also some in the crowd who utilized the barricades to hit against the UC Davis Conference Center glass doors and window, where there were about 30 people inside (waiting for the event to begin). This entire event sparked several media news coverage and released UC Davis statements, all commenting on the failure to allow free speech, as stated in the First Amendment.



In fact, in a UC Davis statement, they stated, “it [was] unfortunate that the event could not proceed as planned. As a public institution, UC Davis values and supports freedom of expression as rights guaranteed to every citizen” (UC Davis News and Media Relations 1). Chancellor Gary May also made statements expressing that as a public university, UC Davis is obligated to uphold a teaching and learning environment that allows free speech (Davis Enterprise 1). In addition, Chancellor May turned the attention to our Principles of Community, to reflect and understand why UC Davis supports students’ right, in this case, Turning Point USA at UC Davis to bring speakers like Stephen Davis and Charlie Kirk to campus. It is important to note that Chancellor May does acknowledge the stress that has resulted from these events, further emphasizing that they do not condone hate speech (UC Davis News and Media Relations 2).


This free-speech related controversy and the backlash that it has received is important to address. Though, it is important to acknowledge the amount of stress and negative emotions that these transpiring series of events has had on the UC Davis community, specifically students of BIPOC communities who feel that their safety and wellbeing is at risk. Students should not feel scared to step on campus and/or put a hold on their studies to avoid being assaulted. UC Davis and other universities’ first priority should be to ensure the safety of students as they access their educational needs. Students should not feel like the only option is to stay home to avoid being targeted by groups like Turning Point USA. As a response to all these concerns, student centers, such as those within the Student Community Center are advocating to ensure that there are safety precautions that protect students who feel at risk and who need a safe space.



Now, I raise the question that many other UC Davis students have prompted, is this justified free speech? Or is it pure hate speech? I invite you all to read more about hate speech and the First Amendment at Chancellor May on Freedom of Expression: Video and Transcript. Additionally, if you would like to get more insight on UC Davis counter events planned for Tuesday, March 14th, visit UCD counter-events planned for Turning Point. Here, you can also learn more about how “UC Davis Police Department has developed a comprehensive safety and security plan” (Davis Enterprise 2). If you decide to join the protestors or help UC Davis Cops off Campus efforts, make sure to be as safe as possible. Equip yourselves with the necessary essentials (e.g. milk, first aid kits, etc.) and know your rights! Stay safe and remember hate speech has no room in LRPLSA. As always, stay empowered and empower your communities, peace.

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