This upcoming July 4, we will celebrate 250 years of America’s independence. While we have come a long way, there is definitely room for improvement. In the past few years, it seems that a core belief that makes America what it is, is no longer valued. It seems that Americans have forgotten how to converse respectfully or engage in civil discourse. We now live in an age where if you do not agree with someone, they see you as a threat or do not want to engage with you at all.
This is why we have decided to create a Turning Point USA chapter here at Drew University. We believe that we should be able to discuss vital issues in a respectful manner, regardless of opinion. While we are very grateful for the plethora of events that the university and clubs offer, we feel that they only cater to people who hold “progressive” beliefs. A university cannot be true to its mission if everyone has to conform to the same ideology. It must be open to the free exchange of ideas, however controversial they may be.
We therefore decided to create a space for students who may hold conservative values. Most people may not even understand what conservatism is, and many misrepresent it and descend to name-calling. Our beliefs may be seen as traditional or archaic because our moral principles (like Martin Luther King Jr.’s) are based on the Bible, but we are willing and open to mutually respectful discussions of other points of view. We absolutely reject all forms of discrimination and bigotry, and we welcome anyone who may be interested to become a part of our club. All we ask is that you come with an open mind.
A recent Acorn op-ed seriously misrepresented our new club, so we want to set the record straight and assure the Drew community that we do not pose a threat to anyone. We simply want to create a space for those who hold similar values to us while also engaging with those with different points of view. Todd Chrisley said it best: “Disagreement is not hate. Debate is not violence. Standing on principle is not extremism. What is dangerous is silencing people who think differently, and this is what Charlie Kirk stood for.”
Migda-El (Migda) Baptiste is a junior majoring in engineering physics.
Natalie Bovair is a junior majoring in political science and psychology.
Destiny Disarro is a junior majoring in biology.