In recent years, student-led organizations have paved the way to create spaces for political discussion. Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a national organization, promotes conservative values. The Iowa State University TPUSA chapter created space for political discussion and activism.
The TPUSA chapter at ISU describes itself as a space built on open discussion and growth.
“It reflects Charlie Kirk’s belief that through hard work, open discussion and individual freedom, anyone can succeed in this country,” Trahyger Carey, a junior studying finance and president of TPUSA at ISU, said.
Isaiah Alexander, a junior studying agricultural studies and vice president of TPUSA at ISU, emphasized conversation over confrontation.
“A successful conversation isn’t one where you agree with the other person, it’s one where you both understand each other,” Alexander said.
Last spring, the club consisted of Carey and a handful of seniors. In the fall, only Carey remained. The assassination of the Turning Point USA founder Kirk, on Sept. 10, largely increased chapter membership. It served as a “wakeup” and gathered support from students, including now treasurer, Sophia Drees, a senior studying event management.
‘‘Political violence should never be accepted,” Drees said. “I just wanted to make a difference, big or small.”
Carey said the chapter aims to promote conservative activism, encourage open-minded conversations and help students feel more welcome when stepping into political discussions.
During Monday meetings, the chapter holds a general discussion. On Wednesday, the meetings focus on debate and engaging in respectful disagreement and on Friday the chapter concentrates on faith.
At Wednesday meetings, in particular, the club will have a member intentionally play devil’s advocate to give other members practice at respectful disagreement.
“A lot of time, when you talk to someone you disagree with, you get closed-minded,” Alexander said. “We try to avoid that.”
In general, on campus, Carey believes students need more space for open conversation and that most disagreements stem from people on both sides who care about the country seeing things differently.
“Slowing down, keeping an open mind, and recognizing that students have far more in common than what they think,” Carey said.
The chapter acknowledges its online national reputation being deemed as bold and sometimes controversial. But the ISU chapter describes themselves as “less reckless,” not tied to either political party and focused on political activism and growing their faith.
“There’s no need for radicalism – you’re not going to get anywhere being hateful,” Alexander said.
