You may have been following the controversy involving the conservative advocacy group, Turning Point USA, and the the Texas State Student Government.
It's not unusual for heated debates to occur at student government meetings, but what is unusual is that some of this has captured the attention of organizations and state and national government leaders.
First, check out The University Star's coverage of the most recent events: https://star.txstate.edu/2019/04/student-government-passes-legislation-banning-tpusa-likely-to-be-blocked-by-administration/
Second, read this update from the Texas Tribune in which Gov. Greg Abbott suggests cutting funding for the university because of the brouhaha: https://www.texastribune.org/2019/04/11/greg-abbott-threatens-texas-state-university-funding-student-senate/
Then, return here with your thoughts about this. On one hand, it seems like the student government has grievances against the student chapter of TPUSA, which is why they voted earlier this week to ban them from campus. But it's equally clear that absence misconduct, Texas State University could not legal ban the student chapter from campus.
What do you think about this? Is this just a sign of sharp divisions in society? How should this be handled? What do you think of the governor's threat, which may directly effect your educational experience at Texas State. Consider this and add your perspectives in the comments. Remember to include your first name, last name initial and class (TTh, Online or Honors).
And please remember to be respectful of opposing opinions, as this may generate strong opinions. The point is to share perspectives, even though we may disagree.
127 comments:
I believe that no matter what any group (government oriented) does they cannot be removed/barred from campus. However, if a group does commit any non-upstanding acts they should be punished or the leadership of the group temporarily suspended or demoted. TPUSAs supposed illegal activities should be investigated and those involved or guilty should be punished somehow; if that is every member than every member should receive some type of punishment. That doesn't mean we shut down an entire voice.
Luckily it seems the administration will step in to prevent the barring of TPUSA. As it should, this is clearly an intrusion on Free Speech and shouldn't even be a problem but unfortunately it is. Although I'm finished in Summer, I don't think the state should pull funding. Punishing all students for the dumb actions of the few isn't right either. Hopefully if administration steps in and protects Free Speech as it should, this problem could be correctly resolved.
Ghrae D (TTH)
I agree with some points in Dolan's response. I do believe that the stupid actions of a few students shouldn't reprimand all, but at the same time if the groups intent is to harm, attack or be radical, then should it be allowed on campus to begin with. This organization didn't do any of that if I'm not mistaken. Even if you hate conservative organizations, they have an important place in the political system. Without them, an unbalance would be in effect. As students and individuals, we should always work to uphold the rights of those around us.
Jake Norrie T/TR
I think that it's very obvious that the stupid and careless actions of a few students of an organization doesn't mean that it's okay to punish/ban ALL students associated with the organization. I agree with Ghrae Dolan's comment that every guilty member should be punished, of course, and if this means everyone within the organization is punished, then that's fine. But I don't think it's okay to remove an organization form campus completely, because a college campus is supposed to be a controversial place, and somewhere that people have the right to fully express their opinion. If we start removing groups and organizations from campus, we will have an unbalanced system. Punish, but don't remove.
Taylor Parks (Online)
I agree with our administration that Turning Point USA should not be barred from campus. I don’t think that because of these actions our university will stop receiving funds. Gregg Abbott is just trying to show how highly he regards the first amendment.
I found it a little upsetting that the Texas Tribune waited till the end of their article to express the concerns that our student government has about TPUSA. They have legitimate concerns about how TPUSA has been behaving on campus. However, I disagree with what Trevor Newman said about this not being “a free speech issue.” When it comes to preventing a group of people from expressing an opinion the first amendment will inevitably get involved.
Daniel Richter (T/Th)
I don't believe that Turning Point USA should be barred from campus because I do believe this is a first amendment issue. Greg Abbott cannot (unless he wants to receive so much backlash) stop funding Texas State, he is really all talk about that. I believe student government should've handled the situation better. They could have done anything but decide to bar Turning Point USA.
Hannah Holder T/TH
If this was just a case of a conservative presence on campus being banned for acting on their free speech rights and operating under opinions possibly different from others, I would agree that they should not be banned. HOWEVER, this organization has proven to be incredibly disruptive to campus life. Having an entire course shut down because it doesn't align with your beliefs is extreme. Students then lost their freedom to take courses that they are interested, and a lecturer even lost their job. Also, it seems like a total infringement of the democratic process to have a group openly disrupting elections. There are plenty of conservative organizations on campus that do not act in this manner. This doesn't seem like a move to end free speech to an organization but more to protect Texas State and its government from toxic influences.
I'm also pretty disappointing in Governor Abbott. Nobody gets to choose what our tax dollars fund, we fund education as a whole. There are liberals that inadvertently fund conservative causes and vice versa. Threatening to defund an entire institution would greatly harm ALL students, regardless of their political leaning. However I do understand the frustrations with the behavior seen at the meeting. People should act with respect for any political party in any situation. Personally, I don't think groups that tamper with government and education should be allowed to operate on campus. I don't condone the behavior seen during these meetings but overall the university needs to act in the best interest of its students.
Turning Point USA is specifically designated as a first amendment issue, and the first amendment dictates that free speech is an unalienable right granted by the people... aka, it can be taken away. State governments and school governments shouldn't be allowed to bar certain types of speech, regardless of their responses.
Jacob Hall (Online)
I do think that just because a few students made mistakes and spoke wrongly it shouldn't mean that the whole group be banned. I only believe a group like that should be removed if their intent to to provoke harm and violence in our community. I agree with what some other students that are saying, even if you hate conservatives and you think their views are trash, their opinions and thoughts should still be heard because without their side it would cause an imbalance and first amendment rights would be violated.
Christina S. Online
After following the TPUSA saga since last year, I think the issue being seen as a constriction of free speech (specifically, conservative speech) is an over-exaggerated stance. I feel that because college campuses tend to be made up of a liberal demographic it's easy for people to view any action taken against conservative groups as an attack on conservative values. To me, it appears the issue is first and foremost about the corruption the organization may have been inspiring on our campus. There are several conservative organizations on campus that no one has ever thought to remove because they have not spurred detrimental events on our campus. That being said, I do not believe the entire group should be barred, but rather any members responsible for inappropriate conduct removed from the organization.
I also believe Gov. Greg Abbott's twitter stance served no other purpose than to sensationalize the event and influence folks to incorrectly believe that Texas State completely ignores first amendment rights. Defunding our school over a mischaracterized event would be a massive injustice to over 30,000 students and faculty that contribute to (and pay to attend!) this school.
Valkyrie Mata, TTh, 12:30-1:00
I think we need to look at the reasons behind this controversy. If the student government wants to ban TPUSA because of their conservative views, I think that's a clear violation of the First Amendment. However, if Turning Point was involved in election tampering I think that's a big concern that needs to be looked at, and they may need to be banned for that. I don't see any problem with the protest's against TPUSA, even if there were some ugly words said that's the public's right to protest any organization for any reason. But Governor Abbott's threats are very unprofessional and make me think a lot less of him.
Lucus Newman TTH class
I agree with your statement about Greg Abbott being all talk, he was most likely trying to scare the school. I also agree with you on Turning Point USA, they shouldn’t be barred from campus. Everyone should be able to express themselves freely, even with a school group like them. I understand students and professors might not like what they do and what they stand for but that shouldn’t make it to where they are barred from the university.
I don’t agree with barring Turning Point USA. To barre that group just because of things that some people have said in the group or mainly for what they stand for violates our first amendment freedoms. They could’ve handled this situation differently in my opinion. They made a mockery of us all over social media. That video was a disgrace to Texas State University and embarrasses the school, making it look like we can’t freely express our opinions.
Now the issue of Greg Abbott’s stance on not funding the school anymore is absurd. I get his point on how we should be able to express ourselves freely on campus even through student organizations. But for him to scare the school by not funding anymore is silly, this was a small portion of the school debating which went wrong. He shouldn’t take it out on all of the students here just because these people can’t agree on politics. This school is a great school to attend, I’ve known this school to be able to speak freely and for this to happen to this group is again not right. I understand they said that there was corrupt people in the organization and that’s why they are upset, but they shouldn’t ban the whole organization. They should just kick out the people who are corrupt. Again this whole situation to me is a disgrace to our school. The situation could’ve been handled differently. Hopefully the people who made fools of themselves can learn from their mistakes and try not to repeat them in the real world (one can only hope).
Jacqueline Dalehite TTH
I don't agree with the barring of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). While I can understand their grievances, I cannot agree with the blatant disregard for the First Amendment. This situation reminds me of Snyder v. Phelps in that a groups message is being spread by the publicity that comes along with trying to eradicate it.
I think both parties, the student government and the governor, are taking extreme measures to handle this situation. The impulsive idea to ban TPUSA and the hasty response to cut funding by Governor Abbott are just too drastic to be respected. This whole situation is just one big overreaction that could have been handled very differently.
-Lauren J. (Honors)
I believe that TPUSA cannot be barred from the university. Despite the controversy behind the situation, the constitution of the university demands the right of free speech on campus. In order for the organization to be barred, there would have to be substantial circumstances. I do agree that the org has been disruptive to many students' learning environment but that is not sufficient reason to ban them from campus. I believe there should be tighter regulations not only for this org but many other controversial orgs that come onto campus because of the impact they have on students and the university. In regards to the governor's words, cutting our funding will not solve anything. Students will still have voices and opinions while organizations will still come onto campus to tell their side of the story. This will only be damaging the university as a whole and affecting some students who have nothing to do with the situation at hand. This is a case of sharp division within not only our society but our university.
-William C., TTH
The banning of TPUSA is bigger than just a free speech issue on campus. There have been many instances where students have been discriminated against for what they believe. That is unfortunately just a huge problem at this university in general, and I do believe no one should be afraid of the consequences recieved by stating their opinion. If this was just an issue on supression of speech, I would say that I wouldn't agree with the banning of the organization. But the fact that a lecturer lost her job and a course (that I'm sure many students would have wanted to take or would have been interested in) has been removed from the campus entirely because it's "too liberal" is concerning. Reading reports that this professor was a potential target to the organization is an entirely different situation than just "free speech" rights. It is a matter of trying to shove certain values onto others in a manner that is detrimental to people's careers and Texas State. The video that was released regarding TPUSA is definitely not the way students should have handled the situation, and I think this is widening the already huge divide in our student body. I am dissappointed that someone lost their job over this, and think the problems at our university involving difference of opinion and beliefs will only be increasing, with more hate, less heart and less compassion for the diversity of others.
As for Greg Abbott, I do not agree with his stance on defunding our school. He definitely should not be taking his frustrations out on the entire university. Defunding Texas State would greatly harm ALL STUDENTS, regardless of what political party they associate with. It is an embarassing that our own governor would try to undermine the situation by making others who differ from his ideals feel they are the reason to blame, without taking into account the suspicious acts by the organization. This university and the state in general needs to grow up, understand people are different from you, and try to find some sort of middle ground without the hate, threats, and actions that have taken place, or things will only continue to worsen.
Sophie Rose TTH
I don't agree with barring Turning point USA from campus, because it is a first amendment issue. To want to ban someone for their political views is wrong and a clear violation. The situation could of been done differently as well, it was not a good look for the group to make a fool out of us on social media either. but to cut funding for TPUSA is too dramatic, it seems to me that this situation is big overreaction and could have been handled differently.
Miles Whetstone TTH
If they can't act like proper adults then barred they should be. It's sad that it has come down to a dropping of a job and class. I just think they should probably find better things to do with their time. I get "free speech" is important but some people should just find better hobbies if they have that much time on their hands. Standing around trying to protect my right to free speech isn't going to make me money. Acting childish isn't going to make money either. So I'll have to pass on the participation caring. I wouldn't want to fund a the group either. Maybe if these people will get a couple jobs they can just fund themselves. Problem solved.
Jason Eversdyk T/Th
Turning point should be barred from Texas State campus and not just because we don't like what they're saying, it's much larger than that. It is about illegal funding of student government elections, harassing/doxxing students, making people feel unsafe, disrupting learning environments, etc. We aren't allowed to stop them from speaking their opinion but the least the university can do is not authorize or allow them to be an organization on campus. The specific organization that is TPUSA is such a problem, that other universities, like UTSA are also trying to get rid of them. A university should have power to bar a campus chapter of this organization if the organization has received as much backlash, opposition and has caused as many problems as TPUSA did.
Akosua A. (Honors)
I don't believe in barring an organization on campus because of their political beliefs is a reasonable thing to do, because it is against the first amendment and we can't just get rid of everything we disagree with. HOWEVER, there are speculations revolving around TPUSA about tampering with the election last year and supposedly having a "watch list" of democratic leaning professors and students to get them expelled or fired (I have no proof of this, which is why I'm saying its a rumor that I have heard from numerous people). These speculations are the reason why SG wanted to get them off campus, which I can understand and agree with their decision should it be true. I don't think there is enough documentation to 100% prove these allegations, which is why everyone spun this out of control and thought they were being banned for solely being a conservative group.
Abbot was talking without having any context of the reasoning behind student governments actions, and even then, he has no right to threaten to take it out on the whole university, because yes, student government is our "voice" , but it still doesn't mean that the small group of people speak for the whole entire university of almost 40k students.
Faith Fuentes MC4301 Online
I think this is a sharp division in society. I don't know if the claims against TPUSA harassing students during student elections, election rigging etc. is true or not, but if there is no proof to back up these claims, then it's hard to take it and just run with it. like Rodriguez said, it is unfortunate if these unsupported claims are being used to push off an organization. the way I'm interpreting this situation is as a violation of the first amendment right to free speech. I think this is being handled in a very emotional manner, as a student body we can grow in peaceful debating and agreeing to disagree.I don't agree with TPUSA being banned from campus. I think Greg Abbott is responding out of frustration and relaying a message that we should really get our act together considering the racist article scandal we've also already experienced. we can honestly say there is a lot of room for growth as a Texas state student body when it comes to learning and realizing first amendment rights and how inclusive it should be.
Wendy Aviles, TTH
I do not agree with the barring of Turning Point USA due to our first amendment rights. This is based on someone's political view which citizens are granted. I personally do not believe TPUSA is causing any harm to student. Greg Abbott does sound very angry and bothered, to better situations like this in the future, I do believe that there should be clearer rules and regulations that should be enforced on campus that clearly identifies what is acceptable versus what is not acceptable.
Lola Onatoye, TTH (Honors)
It is actually within Texas State University administration's power to take TXST TPUSA off campus but only if there is a conduct violation and proper conduct proceeding through the university. Student Government cannot, within its own power, take TPUSA off of campus. This goes to show how this entire series of events has been used as a pulpit for folks advocating, or otherwise, for TPUSA. As TPUSA's local chapter president walked out of the Student Government meeting, she recorded a video of many dissenters yelling out profanities at her and showing very loud disapproval for TPUSA's presence. This video subsequently went viral and had Gov. Abbott chime-in. Only a handful of folks made it onto the video compared to the almost 40,000 students at TXST but because of their poor conduct a threat to defund an entire institution has been made.
While I find the "marketplace of ideas" that TPUSA presents to campuses important in order to keep conversation flowing and not restricted, I also feel they have caused harm to campus as well. Despite both of these points, this was neither the proper way nor the intended outcome of Sen. Claudia Gasponi's legislation to take TPUSA off campus. Once again, Student Government has attempted to do good on campus with less-than-effective means of achieving their wanted ends.
– Geoff Sloan
Honors
T, Th
It hurts to see that most people believe that the only solution to problems is to polarize and distance others who do not agree with their own beliefs. I don't believe any organization on campus no matter what position they are in should be banned from campus. Although I don't agree with how TPUSA has conducted themselves I don't think they deserve to be banned. I also don't approve how other students have behaved against TPUSA. If both parties start acting the same by just constantly banning/blaming each other it will get us nowhere except here. As soon as we start seeing some truth in either side and not look at the other side as enemies but as people just trying to figure it out as well then progress can happen.
Sallie Hildebrand TTH
We talk about free speech, so that should include almost everything right? We also want to be known as a diverse campus, so what does it say for Texas State to ban this kind of organization. If student government and the university looked into every little thing a organization or student group said, then we would get these kind of threats more often. However, once a political group comes into the picture, that's when the media comes in and questions rise.
Megan Wehring TTH
I think that any sort of banning of speech is a violation of our rights. unless the speech is directly causing harm against others, it should not be infringed upon. the turning point organization does not clearly incite violence or commit any wrongdoings, its only crime is of being an opposing voice which some members of student government don't want to deal with. this displays the sad state of our free speech by even questioning if this group should be banned.
Matthew hawkins TTH
The resolution to ban TPUSA was a bad decision on behalf of student government. They claim TPUSA harasses and disrupts university activities but provides little to no evidence of this. If TPUSA was as big a threat as student government made them out to be then there would probably be a lot more attention aimed at the organization. That being said I do not think they should be banned from campus. Abbott's comments about de-funding the university were childish, especially coming from a governor. He should be trying to bring people together instead of threatening our university.
Christopher Green TTH
I believe that TPUSA shouldn’t be banned. If anything they should reevaluate their organization along with rules and regulations. No University should punish all students for being associated with an organization because college is a place to speak freely and get involved in what strikes your interest. Texas State even has the horse statue on the quad that allows students to speak and do what they please as long as it doesn’t involve physical harm to others. I think the TPUSA can be handled by using this situation as a “warning” and once they reevaluate their rules and regulation then there shouldn’t be any problem. You should be allowed to join/ support any organization on campus.
Chandler Davis
T-TH 12:30 p.m. class
Just because people disagree with an organization doesn't mean it should be banned from campus. I think this situation was handled poorly from both sides. The campus allows free speech, therefore organizations that are doing no harm to others and just expressing their views should still be allowed on campus. TPUSA should reevaluate their rules and regulations. However, this situation was clearly handled poorly by Student Government who should have taken a better approach to the situation. As far as what Greg Abbott said, I think that is ridiculous. However, he is entitled to his opinion. TPUSA should still be allowed to express their opinions and speak freely.
Ashley Hale
T-TH 12:30 PM
I think this whole situation could have been avoided. There is no need to come after your own peers with claims that you may or not be able to back up. It's not a sign that society is dividing, it's already happened. I think that the whole thing has been handled very poorly and it reflects on the administration. I think that the governor's threat could be a legitimate one.
For way too long Texas State has been going off then rails and even the leaders of the state are starting to notice. Just seems very interesting that this isn't a bigger deal on campus. The media and state leaders care, but why don't the students? Just seems very backwards to me.
Tom Vazquez (T/TH)
I don't think any group on campus should be banned on campus unless they do something illegal as a group. An example of illegal activity would be hazing. It is a horrible feeling to be unheard or banned but sometimes it is for the greater good. I am not a conservative by any means but since turning point wasn't found guilty of any charges they should remain on campus. They may annoy people and be funded by people with political agendas but it is our choice as students to support them or not. I also am not a fan of politicians weighing in on things they see in short detail on Twitter. If he plans to actually act on what he is saying then that is disappointing. The political atmosphere of our country is hostile. It is no surprise to see that hostility on our campus. There is a constant battle between liberals and conservatives. We just don't take the time to listen and understand each other.
Peyton Gittings
Honors
Although I agree that TPUSA should absolutely not be banned from campus over free speech, it might be in their best to make changes within their own organization especially now that the student government is trying to get them banned. The argument of free speech goes both ways here and I personally think if the allegations of targeting and disrupting political discourse are true, allegations which are pretty concerning and detrimental to free speech on the other end of the political spectrum, then they should definitely re-evaluate their agendas. People should not have to be losing their jobs over a student organization. That being said, people can listen to these echo chambers all they want, or they can choose to not listen to them and that's the beauty of living in a country that allows for free speech. As for Greg Abbott, he of all people should know that the decisions based on a small group of people should not reflect the views of an entire campus, and defunding the school would be pretty devastating and I think he was probably just using a scare tactic. Overall, this situation has been vey poorly handled by all parties.
Melody Martinez, T/TH
When I first read the article it does sound like an infringement of first amendment rights to ban TPUSA. I looked at TPUSA website and they are an organization that encourages students to be political activists. The student government says that the ban is more about corruption and that the organization targeted a professor and got her class cancelled because she was teaching about human sexuality. It seems to come down to who is attacking free speech, TPUSA or the student government. I do think this is a sign of the division in our society and college campuses are a logical place to promote political views. I think the way to handle the situation is to investigate to see if TPUSA actually target the professor and try to silence her. If so there should be disciplinary action. If not then free speech must have the priority.
Farran M. MC4301 Online
Although I do agree with TPUSA in that not every student should be barred because of the auctions of some. I do believe those who participated in those actions which caused discrepancy should be barred. An issue that young adults have today is not taking responsibility for their actions or thinking they should be held accountable for their actions. This is one of those cases I believe and I order to fiction as a working adult in the real world after college I believe some need to experience something like this to be shown they can not act out and not be held accountable
Victoria Neff Online
I agree that the TPUSA should not be banned from campus because it does violate the first amendment. However, the university should have some more solid procedures in handling problems that conservative groups like TPUSA should have in the future. Like lots of reviewing before big decisions like firing a lecturer is made. This will call for these claims of a conflict to be more structured and more evidence-based. I also understand the governor's frustration but we as taxpayers pay for education as a whole and I'm sure Texas State is not the only university that has a few out of the 38,000plus whatever students that act out. The vast majority of the txst students do not act disrespectful like the ones in the video.
I agree that the TPUSA should not be banned from campus because it does violate the first amendment. However, the university should have some more solid procedures in handling problems that conservative groups like TPUSA should have in the future. Like lots of reviewing before big decisions like firing a lecturer is made. This will call for these claims of a conflict to be more structured and more evidence-based. I also understand the governor's frustration but we as taxpayers pay for education as a whole and I'm sure Texas State is not the only university that has a few out of the 38,000plus whatever students that act out. The vast majority of the txst students do not act disrespectful like the ones in the video.
Tyra Arias T,TH
I think the ban on Turning Point by the student government is a sign of the sharp divisions in society. I didn't attend the student government meeting when it occurred, but my brother did, and he said it was painful to watch--every time a conservative, whether associated with Turning Point or not, got up to speak during the public forum, he said people in the audience booing and yelling while they tried to speak. It's very disheartening to me that we've reached a point where we aren't even willing to hear each other out. It is difficult to have meaningful conversations that will spark change whenever we can't be respectful enough to even hear what the other side has to say. I don't agree with what Turning Point stands for and how they choose to convey their messages, but I think it was petty of student government to ban them without evidence of what they claimed the organization did. Freedom of speech includes freedom for the thought that we hate. I think the governor's threat is empty, but it is still a wake-up call for the university and student government. It is difficult to deal with a group such as Turning Point, whose views and actions border on hate speech, but we will never find a solution by refusing to hear each other.
Kate Benacquisto, Honors
I think the TXST student government trying to ban TPUSA on campus was a way for them to try to ensure that they do not have influence in Student Government elections again after they insinuated in their brochure that they had a successful “victory” on our campus. Texas State is a notoriously liberal school and TPUSA is a very conservative group on campus. Yes, they did have a hand in the election but the thought that Student Government would unanimously agree to ban a very right wing organization is concerning because it shows that the majority of student government also sides with the left. I see where the governor was coming from with threatening to defund public universities because if we become a very left school then the right might feel unsafe, for example the Charlie Kirk tweet where a hispanic TPUSA leader was threatened by the left. Texas State and Texas State Student Government should try its best to remain unbiased and support students right to freedom of speech.
- Katrina Carver (Online)
I'm dealing with this issue first hand as I tried reporting for a project about student opinions on the matter and I was immediately met with "We don't need your liberal minded media students to paint us in a bad light so we won't be commenting" when I reached out to members of the group to try and see their feelings on the matter...Not the best response...
That being said the student government has no real position to ban them from campus. It makes me sad to see the division that students have set up for themselves literally refusing to talk to others because of fear of how they're being portrayed. I don't agree with what Turning Point Stands for in any way, but to ban them from campus would be a breach of their rights. However I do believe that Abbot's threats were petty, stupid, and just childish, especially coming from the governor. He should know better and act in a way upholding his position.
Ryan Mendoza (Tue/Thur 12:30)
Araceli Medrano
TTh 12:30
I personally feel that as a mass comm major, that the student government trying to ban them is an abuse of power. But I can also see why they wanted to. They are a conservative group, and TXST is predominately not. So in a way I am torn because sometimes the way they come across is rude and insensitive, but even though what they believe and how they portray it on Campus is not so nice, that doesn't mean that the student government can dictate who and what org is on campus.
Araceli Medrano
TTh 12:30
I personally feel that as a mass comm major, that the student government trying to ban them is an abuse of power. But I can also see why they wanted to. They are a conservative group, and TXST is predominately not. So in a way I am torn because sometimes the way they come across is rude and insensitive, but even though what they believe and how they portray it on Campus is not so nice, that doesn't mean that the student government can dictate who and what org is on campus.
Chloe Willis TTh 12:30
I believe if a group is causing controversy on campus and upsetting many people to where most of the student body government is voting to bar them from campus, then they should not be allowed on campus. The student body government was appointed to make safe and accurate decisions to better our community, and the rumors about the student body president swinging voters by giving out ipads is way more worrisome than some video of sudents boo-ing the president of TPUSA(which is an act of free speech). Gregg Abbott's comments about defunding our university are despicable because he knows Texas State has a high percentage of minority students. Having Turning Point on campus is a very extremist conservative group who gets mad when universities teach about sexuality and other "leftist propoganda".
I do not agree with the barring of Turning Point USA. It would be turning a blind eye to the First Amendment if it were to happen. However, I understand why they would want to, but barring an entire organization for differing opinions should not be allowed. If the accusations of TPUSA tampering with the elections are true, then they should be. There is a clear hostility between the two political parties, and it shows even in student governmental bodies. I feel Greg Abbott was acting out of frustration when he threatened to cut funding, so I don't believe he actually will.
Olivia Walker Honors
For starters, I don't think this would necessarily be an "attack" against conservative groups if it was never mentioned/categorized in the first place. This has more to do with students in general speaking wrongfully and the entire university being punished. Just as President Trauth stated, the behavior of those students was unacceptable, but it is also her duty and the governors to allow freedom of expression. Banning a group based on a few words spoken completely disregards the first amendment. As for Greg Abbott, tweeting about the issue at hand could not be more obnoxious and unprofessional.
Kate B. (TTH)
I do not believe that actions of a few students should lead to the ban of Turning Point USA. Although these actions are unjustifiable, it doesn’t mean that other are punished for their actions. This is definitely an issue regarding the first amendment. The first amendment allows free speech in this country and is what defines the United States. This right should not be taken away by school governments, regardless of the actions carried out by students. These students were only expressing their conservative views. I do not disagree with the protest carried out against TPUSA for claims involving election tampering. I also did not agree with the threats made by Governor Abbot. His response were a little too drastic, and personally, lost a little of my respect.
Sasikarn Somboonsup (Online)
I think that if a group is causing so much upset on campus then some sort of action has to be taken. However, free speech is free speech and that right shouldn't be taken away just because some disagree with TPUSA. I agree with Sasikarn's comment about the protest and also about Governor Abbot threats. I also think the whole situation is getting a little out of hand.
Annie Fritz (TTH)
Free speech is a right everyone here has. That said, even words that offend some are protected. Everything but fighting words. I know that the conservative club is not a popular idea on Texas State grounds but it is an idea and opinion and students are allowed to express it. I do like how Abbott didn't approve of the video content of opposing students. I am glad that Trauth also agrees that the behavior of the students response to the hearings was not appropriate and as a member of a community hoping to better educate themselves you would hope they could find a more positive or responsible way to react to something they disagree with.
Chelsea Chase (TTh)
Personally, I think that the Student Government members involved in attempting to pass this ban on a student organization should have looked into the issue with more depth. If they represent the University like they say that they do, they should have understood the rules in which a student organization functions and where the line is drawn for them to be banned from campus.
As a member of an organization at Texas State, I know mine and my organizations rights - so shouldn't Student Government know them as well? I think the members spoke too quickly in attempting to do this, knowing that there would be controversy. However, I don't think this type of attention is what they expected.
In regards to the Governor making comments about this situation, I think he also spoke too quickly. Perhaps he was attempting to make a point out of this, but if he would have paid attention to any information being released by the University before making these comments, he would have known that it is not possible for Student Government to ban TPUSA on this campus.
In an era of demonstrating first amendment rights and attempting to push every boundary on a college campus, I think both groups spoke and acted too quickly. I think the University handled it well, but should have attempted to get a grasp on it before it happened - someone should have reviewed this potential imposed ban that Student Government was trying to pass.
Allison Jones, TTH class
Personally, I think that the Student Government members involved in attempting to pass this ban on a student organization should have looked into the issue with more depth. If they represent the University like they say that they do, they should have understood the rules in which a student organization functions and where the line is drawn for them to be banned from campus.
As a member of an organization at Texas State, I know mine and my organizations rights - so shouldn't Student Government know them as well? I think the members spoke too quickly in attempting to do this, knowing that there would be controversy. However, I don't think this type of attention is what they expected.
In regards to the Governor making comments about this situation, I think he also spoke too quickly. Perhaps he was attempting to make a point out of this, but if he would have paid attention to any information being released by the University before making these comments, he would have known that it is not possible for Student Government to ban TPUSA on this campus.
In an era of demonstrating first amendment rights and attempting to push every boundary on a college campus, I think both groups spoke and acted too quickly. I think the University handled it well, but should have attempted to get a grasp on it before it happened - someone should have reviewed this potential imposed ban that Student Government was trying to pass.
Allison Jones, TTH class
I understand why the student body government would like to ban TPUSA, if all the claims they are making to be true. However, I, personally, am a strong defender of free speech. I may not like what you're saying, but I'll support your first amendment rights. Perhaps, if the members of TPUSA are involved in corrupt activities, their doings should be investigated further. If they are indeed involved in such scandals as I read in both articles, they should be punished by Texas State administration. I think the Governor's threat is quite scary because seizing government funding for our university would be quite devastating and affect our experience here as students. I believe that he's bluffing though. For example, when you're a child and you're acting up so your mom slowly opens the kitchen drawer to reveal a wooden spoon she might spank you with, but you don't want to be spanked, so you immediately start acting better. *Disclaimer this never has happened to me and my mother is a wonderful person, but I thought it was a good example*
Emilee H (TTh)
I understand why the student body government would like to ban TPUSA, if all the claims they are making to be true. However, I, personally, am a strong defender of free speech. I may not like what you're saying, but I'll support your first amendment rights. Perhaps, if the members of TPUSA are involved in corrupt activities, their doings should be investigated further. If they are indeed involved in such scandals as I read in both articles, they should be punished by Texas State administration. I think the Governor's threat is quite scary because seizing government funding for our university would be quite devastating and affect our experience here as students. I believe that he's bluffing though. For example, when you're a child and you're acting up so your mom slowly opens the kitchen drawer to reveal a wooden spoon she might spank you with, but you don't want to be spanked, so you immediately start acting better. *Disclaimer this never has happened to me and my mother is a wonderful person, but I thought it was a good example*
Emilee H (TTh)
I understand why the student body government would like to ban TPUSA, if all the claims they are making to be true. However, I, personally, am a strong defender of free speech. I may not like what you're saying, but I'll support your first amendment rights. Perhaps, if the members of TPUSA are involved in corrupt activities, their doings should be investigated further. If they are indeed involved in such scandals as I read in both articles, they should be punished by Texas State administration. I think the Governor's threat is quite scary because seizing government funding for our university would be quite devastating and affect our experience here as students. I believe that he's bluffing though. For example, when you're a child and you're acting up so your mom slowly opens the kitchen drawer to reveal a wooden spoon she might spank you with, but you don't want to be spanked, so you immediately start acting better. *Disclaimer this never has happened to me and my mother is a wonderful person, but I thought it was a good example*
Emilee H (TTh)
I think the whole situation escalated quickly. Our universities student government has no right to tell other students they can't speak their mind. Now, the Texas Senate passed a bill making illegal to deny free speech at colleges. I understand that everyone has a opinion on everything, but no one should force their opinion on someone else. In this case, the student government doesn't want anyone to be conservative by banning TPUSA chapters.
Cody Tracy MC4301 Online.
Jenna Uptigrove TTH class:
This forum was very interesting! I am torn between the two sides of the argument after reading the Star article. For one, I don't believe that the TPUSA should be banned on campus. That takes away their right to free speech and to have their political ideology spread on campus. However, they should be reprimanded if they are tampering with Student Government elections and causing other problems that other political groups are not. This could be a suspension by faculty or some other kind of review into their involvement. I do not think Professor Stone's class should have been taken of the registrar. Sexuality should be taught at even a younger age than college academics, in my opinion, but it is beyond me that a TPUSA member signed up for the class if they thought the topic was "too liberal" and had issues with the course. Additionally, I find Gov. Greg Abbot's tweet "I truly question if taxpayers should still fund schools like this" to be outrageous. Yes, students should not have boo'd Stormi Rodriguez when she came to discuss a resolution.
I do not believe that the TPUSA Chapter should be banned from campus. Every organization has a right to have their voice heard. I think that the student government banned it had no right to do so; this shows blatant disregard for the students of the university as a whole. If we begin to ban organization from campus, then by the end we will have nothing left. I really did not like Gov.Abbott's tweet about de-funding Texas State. Saying that we need to 'get our act together' will only push the students more toward rebellion. Texas State is a campus that is famous for being able to express your thoughts freely. By trying to ban organizations due to that, I think that is a huge mistake.
Lydia C TTh
After reading the articles and understanding what the ultimate issue was, I still believe it was wrong of the student government to ban the TPUSA under the circumstances. The student body has always preached the idea of freedom of speech, along with the freedom to organize. By shutting down this student organization, I feel like there's going to be a continuous rise in disagreement between the student body and their representatives. To add to things, I did not agree with Gov. Abbott's tweet about de-funding Texas State. Saying that we need to 'get our act together' will only push the students ti disagree more.
Jacob B. TTh
A full permanent barring is extreme and I don't think it'll stick, but this organization needs more investigation and a suspension while that is happening. I think this banning has more to it than just the student government trying to silence a political voice. TPUSA has been tampering in elections by giving undocumented donations to conservative candidates and they've had a class and lecturer removed because it didn't fit with their views. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the views that TPUSA has, but their operations have been questionable.
On Gov. Abbott's tweet, I don't think he's going to actually cut funding to one of the biggest public universities in the state over this. He is just trying to pressure the administration into jumping in.
Troy V. TTh
I agree that some sort of action should be taken against TPUSA if they are participating in corrupt activities. Their actions should be investigated further to determine whether their influence has overstepped a boundry. However, banning the organization from campus would violate the first amendment. Whether people like it or not, TPUSA is rightfully allowed to express their ideas and opinions. They deserve to be here, but do not deserve the ability to influence student elections or curriculum. I think the student government has the right purpose and reason to take action against TPUSA if it is truly about keeping outside influences out of student government, but they are not going about it in the correct way. Straight up trying to ban TPUSA without any solid proof of wrongdoing is not the solution. I think Greg Abbott's comment about funding universities "like this" was about him not looking into the full story of why the student government would take the actions that they have and is only focused on the decision to ban TPUSA. If he only based his tweet off of TPUSA's video on Twitter, then he is only looking at the issue from their point. I also think the tweet is a bluff, tweeted to create pressure on Texas State administration to take action against the ban of TPUSA.
Skyler V TTh
While I could personally live the rest of my entire life without hearing of TPUSA's rhetoric or radical speech, I don't think banning them from campus is fair or just. I don't agree with anything on their agenda and don't feel like they add anything of value to this campus or its culture, but that is just my opinion- and my opinion isn't law. While the content of their speech is pretty abhorrent and hateful, there are plenty of rights protecting them that we just cannot infringe on.
Gregg Abbott is an absolute schmuck. I know as well as he does that he can't entirely pull state funding from a public university because they banned a radical rightwing group. No one would allow that to happen- even in this conservative state. I honestly believe he was feeding directly into the sensationalism of the subject and wanted to show his already conservative followers that he's just as ridiculous as they need him to be to continue electing him. The majority of the people who would support his decision to defund Texas State likely have no children enrolled here and would do it on the sole principle of flexing their power as god-abiding conservatives. It's kind of infuriating and embarrassing that we have someone this childish and thoughtless as our representative- but so it goes.
Lauren M. T/Th
I don’t think that its warranted for any group belonging to the university to be banned or silenced because what they’re advocating isn’t the most popular opinion of the day. As much speech as possible should be protected under the first amendment and TPUSA didn’t offend anyone so much as to justify being banned from campus altogether. Now the fact that the organization is under suspicion for trying to influence student government elections at Texas State, with former student government president resigning after being accused of receiving unreported donations to the amount of $2,800 and 25 iPads in the fall of 2018 from TPUSA. This instance should be punished, for it is in practice that is in bad taste and unethical. That being said the whole entire organization doesn’t need to be banished. TPUSA needs to be cleaned-up and get rid of those who participate in this way of conducting business. As for Gov. Greg Abbots response to the ordeal, I wasn’t surprised with his frustration and threat to cut the universities funding. Abbott himself is a conservative so he will stand on the side of his political affiliation. I think he’s just a bit angered, blowing-off steam and bluffing. The Texas State University administration is fully capable of handling this without outside intervention. Free speech needs to be promoted, dissemination of ideals will reveal the truest and most-just answers above lessor ones.
Jacob Salois (T/Th)
I personally believe that free speech is a necessary right to protect, but I do not think that the Student Government sought to ban TPUSA to restrict their First Amendment rights. The controversy sparked by the SG led to partisan attacks from both sides. There is a clear division in the political climate of the University and society all over the country. I think the Governor's threat was inappropriate and misguided. He dislikes the opinions of our student's and wants to threaten funding; this is childish and unprofessional for a State representative to react in that manner. I think that the organization should not be barred due to beliefs, but their wrongdoings should be punished, whether that be with suspension or some other form, it is necessary.
I believe that the Student Government desiring to ban TPUSA from campus is a direct first amendment issue. It is an overreach of the Student Government to dictate that control over an organization and their freedom of speech. Not only is this issue representative of division of political views on the Texas State campus, but more so, a problem that is happening around the U.S. The Governor threatening to pull funding from Texas State makes sense because this university is a public university, not a private campus, therefore the Student Government has no right to silence other's freedom of speech and expression. While I am not sure if funding will be pulled or not, I do think that this should emphasize the imperative need for a SG to encourage organization's first amendment rights on campus rather than censor peoples thoughts, opinions, and beliefs. The organization does not deserve to be barred.
Haley J. Peters (T,TH)
TTH Karley Crawford
I agree with what the University announced. All student government groups should be allowed per First Amendment rights. However, if said groups actions are considered by the University to be harmful or negligent, then the group should face necessary consequences. Similar to some of the cases we covered in classes, a stupid action does not always need legal attention. The University should be able to handle any situation regarding the actions of groups. I believe the University has done a good job in the past by sending out a formal letter regarding any situation that may have upset students in any way.
I definitely do not agree with the state pulling funding, that will only affect the education of thousands of students who have no partake in these groups (or groups at all like me). People will say dumb shit you don't agree with all the time, as long as they are posing no harm or threat, then you have to learn the opinions of others to form opinions yourself.
I believe that they were wrong in banning the chapter. I think they could have fired everyone or suspended them. the fact that they are just completely silencing another voice with no evidence of any safety issues or corruption just shows that this is based off of the fact that they do not like them instead of any actual harm coming from it. I hope that Abbott's threats are empty because it would be unfortunate to punish the whole university for an action of a small group. I think they should be reinstated and let them say what they want. I should not have to be protected from bad ideas, let them say want they want so that I can form an opinion about it instead of not knowing their views and why they feel that way.
Genaro P.
TTh
I feel that banning an organization for is beliefs is an obvious first amendment breach, but considering their actions of this group the have a right to punish (not ban). I also feel that isn't just a division in society and that people have specific reasons for not agreeing with their actions. I think the organization should be addressed as a whole, but again not banned. Hopefully Governor Abbott's threat will open the eye of TXST and free speech will be looked at differently. The article says that Texas state is one of the top 10 worst free speech colleges and that impacts me because I am a PR major and a lot of what I see going around is hushing of people opinions and ideas, which is sad. Hopefully good things will come out of this!
Macy S.
TTH
I agree with most students about this issue. I don't think the organization itself should be banned especially if it's for the beliefs, but the students involved in the concerning actions should be investigated and/or punished. The banning of the organization is definitely a free speech issue. Also if they can ban one organization, the board could technically ban any org they wanted, which is considered strict scrutiny technically.
Sarah Fairweather
TTH
I kept up with this story all last week and was honestly very nervous to see the outcome. While Texas State University preaches equality and letting both sides of the political spectrum have a safe place to speak their opinions/ideas, there have still been times I have read or witnessed that this sways a little more to the left than the middle. My political opinion and honestly anyone's in this conversation is irrelevant, no group at our university should be denied the right to exist or even just voice their ideas because of what they believe, this goes for both Conservatives and Liberals. I agree with the Governor's point of view, even though it could greatly affect my price of tuition at our university, but there is no way I would want my tax dollars helping fund a school that does not guarantee a citizen's first amendment right. Especially my college that I so dearly respect and love. I was relieved to see that Turning Point got to keep its recognition here at Texas State, and to see that our university made the right call.
Breann, B. TTh
I can see where the authors of the ban are coming from but to remove a political group from campus without having any hard evidence of wrongdoing is not okay. I agree completely with the statement that we need to have more first amendment protection to speak our minds freely without the fear of prosecution but it should not come at the cost of other students first amendment rights. To take this group away from campus would be to silence critical debate on important issues that catalyze the spread of new ideas and help us all grow as people. Hearing, understanding, and learning from others with opposing views is crucial to societal growth. I do believe that there are other ways we can address the issue of student safety on campus. Also, the fact that Greg Abbott would pull funding from an entire student population because of this meeting is absurd. The entire student population should not suffer because their student government made a bad call. They should be given a chance to correct it. Which I am happy that they did.
Matilda Herrera TTH
I believe that a ban of Turning Point USA would be a good choice if it was due to election tampering as we have allegedly seen from the Boreing campaign. Her extra money and donation of iPads that pushed her over the limit were from what I had seen, directly from TPUSA which is in violation of the student government allowance of money to be spent. If TPUSA is removed because they are concerned that it may happen again to other conservative candidates, I say go for it. If it is trying to silence conservative beliefs, then it goes against the first amendment which is clearly not okay. I think that we need both liberal and conservative beliefs on our campus in order to have good discussions as long as each side plays fair into the conversation or any action. What I'm not okay with is Abbott's side on defunding Texas State and making it seem like we don't have free speech here which is not correct at all. I believe that maybe he hasn't looked into the history of this school as well as the speech that has gone on here and is just making twitter accusations which will be spread as negative publicity about Texas State which makes me angry. In the end, I'd like to take more time to research everything that has gone on and will go on with TPUSA in the future of our school and make appropriate moves from there, still protecting any first amendment speech regardless of what's being spoken.
Stephen Findley TTH
I believe that they were wrong in banning the chapter. Banning an organization for is beliefs is an obvious first amendment breach. It is an overreach of the Student Government to control an organization and their freedom of speech. The first amendment allows free speech in this country and is what defines the United States. This right should not be taken away by school governments, regardless of the actions carried out by students. I understand the organization his plagued with corruption and TPUSA's involvement with the Boreing campaign is proof of that. However the 1st amendment protects organization. It seems to come down to who is attacking free speech, TPUSA or the student government. Despite the fact that I do not agree with TPUSA, they have a constitutional right to express their opinions and speak freely.
Jacob Blackmon
T/Th 12:30
Unpopular opinions are protected by the first amendment. Our nation is sharply divided. This fact is highlighted in each sides' inability to listen to one another. We are all entitled to free speech. Our university does not have the right to strip this from students on campus. TPUSA has the right to voice their opinions without the fear of being silenced. Do I personally agree with their beliefs? No. Am I going to find them, harass them for having varying opinions, and shun them. No, because that would grant them the right to silence my voice as well. All perspectives must be protected and have a right to be heard. However, if the other allegations against TPUSA are true (regarding corruption, unfair campaign practices, etc.), that changes things. This will no longer be an issue of free speech. I am a firm believer in punishing unethical actions done by student organizations. If they are true, the allegations warrant TPUSA being barred.
Morgen Amalbert, TTH
In the words of one of my favorite instagram personalities, "Some of y'all bouta be real mad at me, but it must be said." Turning Point USA has no place on Texas State campus or any other campus. It is an external organization that wishes to weaponize republicanism under the guise of empowerment in hopes to combat leftism in the college educated community. If a student wants to individually align themselves with the organization outside of this university, that is totally fine in my opinion. However, the history and the alleged transgressions of the organization as a whole (especially in the Texas State chapter) are enough to subject the chapter to disciplinary action. As far as punishing an entire group of students for the actions of few, Texas State is no stranger to this. Refer to the ban of all greek life on campus based on the hazing tragedy surrounding one fraternity. Without equating the tragic death of a fellow bobcat to these specific instances, if the Texas State administration reacted to all matters of student life how they should, the situation never would have gotten to an argument of "infringement of first amendment rights". TXST has been a very politically charged environment for years due to the excusing of racism and alleged election tampering. We have had 3 student body presidents removed from office, one way or another, in less than 12 months. If that doesn't show how dangerous and unstable outside org tampering is to our environment, I don't know what will. I feel like I must follow all that up with saying that there are plenty of other conservative organizations on campus advocating for and encouraging civil engagement that do not cause such controversial events. I'm sure at this point my response looks very partisan, however I encourage representation of all beliefs as long as they don't cause disruption. I believe that Gregg Abbott and President Denise Trauth think they are doing the right thing by protecting "free speech" at Texas State. On the other hand according to the TPUSA website, they're more concerned with fiscal responsibility and limited government than your first amendment rights. That's why I feel that the free speech argument and comment by our governor is more of an inflammatory attempt for conservatives to play victim after receiving backlash for their actions. The bigger picture here is not whether or not the chapter should be barred, but the systematic silence conservative opposition. At this point, all of student government needs to be temporarily suspended and investigated for interference and everyone in TPUSA should consider joining the Young Conservatives of Texas or the TXST College Republicans.
Rayan Harris TTH
Turning Point USA has an ongoing campaign that actively puts conservative students into positions of power within Student Governments at colleges and universities across the country. It already happened at Texas State with the now-defunct Boreing-Becerra administration, and even before that with previous executive alliances. In an investigation conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education, it found that Turning Point USA has had involvement with dozens of student government elections. Turning Point USA’s “Campus Victory Project” is described as a detailed, multi-phase plan to “commandeer the top office of Student Body President at each of the most recognizable and influential American universities.” And I don’t believe that any organization should have that much power on campus
I feel that this situation could have been handled better and that the student government shouldn't be able to ban TPUSA regardless of their beliefs. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and taking that away from students who express their beliefs would be a violation to their first amendment rights. If certain students in the organization were involved in harmful actions then they should be punished individually, but I don't think it's right to ban the entire organization based off those actions. The student government shouldn't have the right to ban an organization simply because they don't agree with what they stand for.
Hannah Hill TTH
I don't think that the TXST Student Government has or should ever have the authority to completely ban TPUSA from the campus, as this opens doors for censorship and bias in organizations across the campus. I do think that TPUSA should be held accountable for their actions following last year's election and the allegations against them surrounding this. However, I find it difficult to punish the org without affecting students that may have had nothing to do with the allegations. I also think that Governor Abbot's threat was on the extreme side. As the move to ban TPUSA was an attempt to prevent an unfair influence upon on-campus democracy, the threat to remove funding would definitely do more harm than good.
Jaelyn A., TTH
Logically speaking, all speech should be protected so that society can grow from formulation of new ideas and stand points. I don't believe that this is truly an issue of free speech, if it were just conservative views I dont think it would be such a large scale issue for the student council, this in my opinion, is more about the possible corruption that TPUSA has been linked to. The real free speech issue is having a entire course dropped because of it's topic, especially when you have the option to not take a course that does not interest you. In regards to the possible corruption of students, the TPUSA should be suspended, banning them however could lead to issues in the future, for example if a different conservative group that aligns with TPUSA's agenda came to power in a student organization and decided to ban a liberal group. I do think this is an example of the sharp divisions in society. I dont think that Abott should consider defunding Texas State because of a vote from student body that clearly cannot be put into action, however it goes to show just how powerful TPUSA could be.
I think this that only the students that were very irrational with their speech should have gotten punished, not all of them. The ban, in a way, sends out a sort of "chilling effect" to other groups with the same beliefs and would make it to where they are scared to even say something that goes against anything everyone else believes in. I personally don't think the ban was or is needed and to reinstate them. Yes, they have different beliefs than us, but the right to express yourself and those beliefs are what made this country so great.
Jose Valenzuela
T/TH
I do not think Turning Point USA should be not be prohibited from Texas State University. I think by prohibiting the conservative group we are violating the first amendment. I understand why students would want to ban the organization, considering a professor's course about sexuality was taken off the registrar due to a student from Turning Point complaining about the course, although I believe the solution is not the ban the organization but place regulations for all organizations to prevent any suspicious or unsettling activity from happening with student groups at Texas State. I also understand where Greg Abbot is coming from, he just wants to ensure the first amendment is upheld and everyone on campus has a chance to be active and head within the community.
As much as I don't believe the same beliefs as that conservative group and don't agree with anything they have to say, I don't think this whole thing was handled correctly. Groups here at Texas State are able to believe what they want to believe and speech should be protected. This type of ban could eventually be used to ban or censor other organizations throughout campus and even create bias towards other groups that not everyone may agree with. And as far as Governor Abbott's opinion with thinking that the university should no longer get state funding is... dumb? Like what would that solve? What would that do for a university? How would he gain anything from that? It makes no sense? If anything defunding a state school from state funding would bring in even bigger issues that don't need to be brought up.
Lucero Trevino
T/TH
Freedom of speech is right every student organization is has. Unless the that student organization does something illegal they should not be barred. We do not have to do agree with one another, but we should respect everyone's right to have a voice. Obviously Greg Abbot has biased opinion based on his political party, but he also is doing his job in government in upholding the constitution. Texas State's student body probably leans more to the left than most Texans, but that does not mean we should loose funding. Sometimes the best ideas come from people who go against the grain, and that is something more people should think of when they try to limit speech.
Austin C t/th
I think that Turning Point USA has the right to be an organization, but if they continue to cause issues they should be disciplined appropriately. Just because we do not share the same beliefs doesn't mean that they shouldn't exist as an organization. I think that our community has a huge issue with mutual respect and civility. In life, there are lots of frustrating conflicts and politics make the community very polarized.
Governor Abbott did not have the right or authority to say that he was going to take away funding from the University. If he would have read into the situation at all, he would have seen that the University and SG President opposed/vetoed this bill.
Summer Hawkins T/TH
I believe that both organizations involved responded too quickly. As representatives of the University, Student government should have done more research to understand that they could not ban Turning Point USA from campus. Additionally, TPUSA blew the situation out of proportion on social media. I think the entire situation could have been handled without involving so much of the student body, social media and the Governor.
I also believe that it was a rash comment by the Governor to make claims about cutting school funding when he did not know the entire situation either. It only threw more flames on the fire. Bottom line, the entire situation could've been handled in a much more calm manner if the parties knew their rights fully.
Kaylee Smith TR 12:30
While I don't agree with the actions of TPUSA, I think that banning them entirely from campus might be a step too far. Universities are meant to be bastions of free speech, no matter how much we may disagree with it. However, those in the organization that are guilty of doing illegal or immoral things should definitely be punished, and I think it would be acceptable to bar these specific people from participating in any further dialogues or debates on campus. There is a code of conduct students are expected to follow and if the students borke that code then they deserve to be held accountable. That being said, I don't think it would be appropriate to remove the organization and their point of view from campus entirely.
Clayton Sprague
T-TH 12:30
Banning any origination as a whole seems like an overreaction to issues that may be caused be a few members. While interfering with the voting process is wrong, and getting an entire course banned from the curriculum just because you disagree with it is also an infringement of free speech, the individuals responsible for this should be dealt with individually and accordingly. Getting rid of an entire student organizations voice regardless of what there saying seems like a step in the wrong direction. we should have open commentary with our fellow students without the fear of being punished for our beliefs.
Austin Bailey
T-Th 12:30
The entire situation has been interesting to watch. I covered Student Government for the Star in the fall and actually wrote the first news story about TPUSA with two other students. TPUSA has been very involved fiscally in the last few student government campaigns and I’ve actually received verbal admittance of collusion by senators and former presidents.
That being said, the legislation was an attempt to get rid of TPUSA on campus because of their collusion with former student government administration. The excerpt referring to the hate speech was added because of one students hate speech who affiliated with TPUSA. Overall, after that part was added it was then an infringement on free speech rights, but the initial intent of the legislation was not related to free speech. If they had gotten rid of the segment that mentioned free speech, it probably wouldn’t have gotten so much attention.
As for our Governor, I think he has created something similar to a chilling effect for future issues like this. There are always going to be students who want to take down an organization like TPUSA, but there are measures in place for that to not happen. At the end of the day we are all still students and we are still learning from one another about who we want to be and what we want to stand for. For our Governor to threaten to defund the entire school because of one piece of legislation where the organization couldn’t even actually be banned, raises concerns for me just as much as the legislation itself did. To me, it’s a threat to the free-flowing expression of opinions; especially the ones we disagree with.
Kaiti Evans TTh 12:30 p.m.
I agree with some other responses that if this were merely a free speech issue and the organization was being banned for its conservatives views, then that would not be okay. TPUSA, however, is more than just an organization for conservative voices. As a group that has been involved with election tampering and having a teacher fired, I believe that the organization's presence has overall been harmful to student life at Texas State, and for that they should face consequences. I would say I am disappointed in the governor's stance of defunding Texas State as a threat, but I am not surprised he would do so. I hope it is just a baseless threat and will not actually happen. If it does, that is completely unfair to the students who already pay so much to attend this school.
Paola Bakker (online)
I understand the intention of student government, and how they want to prevent as much hate speech as possible, and because Texas State is a Hispanic Serving Institution, that thrives, and is funded money because of the diversity and acceptance, the school claims it has, hate speech should not be tolerated from any organization or group sponsored by Texas State. I think, that every is entitle to their opinion, but if you are a sponsored group, that represents a university that claims to be a safe space for diverse students, then I see no issue with banning them. Any reasonable person, should not go out of their way to continuously degrade marginalized groups. To me, that says our university is not much of a safe space as it seems. And the fact that Abott wants to remove funding, is just another problem with the system.
Dejai Walton TTH 12:30
I understand why the student government might want to bar this organization, however, I also agree that the student government doesn't have the power to make that decision. Since TPUSA isn't under disciplinary sanction, I agree the organization is entitled to their own constitutional rights and that banning them would just infringe their first amendment rights of free speech. I don't agree with harassment or hate on campus, and I'm not saying TPUSA has brought that among us, but I think this whole ordeal has definitely brought negative talk toward our University.
Katherine Roeder TTH 12:30
I don’t agree with the idea of barring an entire organization from campus because that would be a huge freedom of speech issue. But I would agree if certain members of the organization are using Texas State’s freedom of speech policies to promote negativity to the students, then remove them from the organization don’t ban the entire group for the issue of a few. Overall, I think that both sides handled this poorly and rather than talk it out and find a common ground, both parties just believe they are in the right and continue to fight. As a campus where this problem happens a lot between organizations, i’m not really surprised that this issue is still going on in social media and that Texas State is put under such a harsh light when the rest of the campus is not like that. I believe that this issue is getting too big and that different parties that aren’t students need to step up and give their opinions, because right now it’s not looking good for Texas State in terms of being an “equality” based school.
Kierra Simmons
T/TH 12:30 class
I don't think student government (SG) trying to bar TPUSA is right. If there were illegal donations made then, that should be investigated and those involved should be punished. Yeah, it is not as flashy or dramatic as SG has been the last couple years but silencing people is not going to solve anything. It creates more problems for the TXST. I feel this whole situation was handled very poorly by everyone involved. I also don't think funding should be pulled from the university. The school said four days before the vote passed that SG did not have the power to bar the organization. At that point, the vote was more symbolic and had no effect. The pulling of funds would negatively affect more students than the amount that actually voted for the people on SG.
Ruben Garza
TTH 12: Class
Everyone should have the right to express their opinions and beliefs, it’s a shame to see the University ranked poorly in regard to the first amendment, hopefully they’re working to do what they can to remedy that. The entire organization shouldn’t be punished at the hands of a few reckless students, but they should work to better themselves by advocating against reckless behavior. If the student government is worried about this organization being involved in illegal activity, then they should continue to run a thorough investigation and only then decide to take action on what to do with TPUSA if they can prove the accusations. Governor Abott’s reaction to the news is definitely more of a reaction rather than a thought-out decision, to punish a whole body of students over something that hasn’t even come to a full conclusion will only do more harm than good. It also shows some level of favoritism over one specific group of students which seems a bit unfair to most.
I don't understand why this has become such a big deal. All of the student orgs on campus are entitled to their own opinions. Since the most recent election, the quad has gotten heated multiple times from people yelling at each other over their political opinions and it's just gotten out of hand. The video of the meeting that was linked in the article was just sickening. As far as Greg Abbott and threatening to pull funding, I understand where he is coming from and trying to make a point from it, but I just don't actually see it happening.
Marilyn Skannal (Online)
All people should have the right to safely voice and express their political views. I think dialogue between people with opposing views allows for better understanding. As long as organization members are not inciting violent or radical behavior they should be allowed to congregate publicly and express and showcase their opinions and beliefs to others. While I do think Gov. Greg Abbott cutting funding for the university is a bit extreme, I do understand the motive. Trying to ban an organization solely off their political views is unfair.
-Tori Glass
T/TH 12:30
There's quite a bit that I have an opinion on pertaining to what has recently made national news and from working at a news station. On one hand while it's great to celebrate students standing up for one another, this was not the way to go about it. Everyone has a right to the opinion and a way to express it so long as it does not intentionally harm others; but I do not believe student government handled this well. One, there was a bunch of vulgar language and quite frankly I don't think they realized the double standard they showed by saying they are here to be the voice for students, but then wanted to silence conservative groups. I don't know if our student government completely understands how policy works or how to fully represent the student body... but that wasn't it chief.
Cody Huffman - MC 4301 Online
I feel that students do have the right to express what they stand for, but there is a way to do it. The way we express what we stand for should be done in a respectful way though and they did not do this and that is my biggest problem with the student government. This is not the first time something like this has happened and it makes me question should we even continue to have a student body government in the first place. Alex Cummings - T/TH 12:30
I feel that students do have the right to express what they stand for, but there is a way to do it. The way we express what we stand for should be done in a respectful way though and they did not do this and that is my biggest problem with the student government. This is not the first time something like this has happened and it makes me question should we even continue to have a student body government in the first place. Alex Cummings - T/TH 12:30
I think that the TPUSA student chapter shouldn't be kicked off campus due to the First Amendment right, however, I would have to agree with president Trauth that students cannot have these debates if not all view points can be said and heard and everyone's opinions should be respected no matter what it is. I think that this chapter should only stay on campus if the debates remain mature and peaceful, consider when when presidential candidates during presidential election time are going back and forth in giving what they can do if you vote for them. These debates are peaceful, mature and respectful. It doesn't matter that this is a student campus chapter, they are still adults and should still be held to a standard of peaceful assembly. Although the governors threat is extreme, I can see where he is coming from, he's not threatening it because he's trying to take the students' right away, he's saying it because of the manor that it is being conducted.
Paige, S., Online
Frankly, I was shocked and disappointed in the Texas State Student Government for passing such a blatantly oppressive piece of legislation. The move to ban TPUSA is unconstitutional through and through. Student senators were quoted as classifying TPUSA as anything but free speech, saying that the group incites violence and electoral corruption. From my perspective, this argument has glaring holes. I certainly neither agree with Turning Point USA nor their tactics. Furthermore, I am not entirely sure that they themselves add anything constructive to the political debate. However, there is certainly value in debunking foolishness. That, I believe, is the value TPUSA brings to the TXST campus and free speech debate. When TPUSA spreads misinformation and behaves erratically, other groups have the opportunity to rise above. The poor moral standing of TPUSA gives way for others to silence alternative facts. In a political climate where everyone feels they know best regardless of objective truths, simply silencing the other is counterproductive. In doing so, the chasm between the two extremes is widened, making each feel more justified in their crusade to make their message absolute. The Supreme Court has ruled time and time again that simply because speech is disagreeable or hateful in tone does not qualify it as unworthy of the same rights. Although no individual can ever fully be bipartisan, I suppose, I did have higher hopes for the Texas State University student government. This, in my opinion, was a clear act of partisanship that in no way was rooted in constitutionality. Rather, members of the student government were highlighting their own political beliefs, the majority of which lean liberally, in order to quiet a group they consider to be disagreeable o their own ideas. It is a relief that the university president vetoed the proposal after it narrowly passed with a majority vote.
- Talya M. TTh HON 9:30-10:50
I do not believe that a conservative group should be banned for the same reason a liberal group should also not be banned. The student senate is clearly just trying to silence what they consider to be unpopular opinion. It is important that everything is able to express their beliefs, whether they seem good or bad to an individual.
I do believe that students have a right to stand up for what they believe in, but I do not think that the student government has the right to ban an organization from campus because of their beliefs. While I understand where they are coming from, in that a lot of the beliefs projected by Turning Point USA can be seen as inciting violent and hateful rhetoric and can contribute to students feeling unsafe on campus. However, as there is no physical harm or any other evidentiary claims to legally ban the group, I believe this matter was handled incorrectly.
-Kaelin T., Online
I do believe that students have a right to stand up for what they believe in, but I do not think that the student government has the right to ban an organization from campus because of their beliefs. While I understand where they are coming from, in that a lot of the beliefs projected by Turning Point USA can be seen as inciting violent and hateful rhetoric and can contribute to students feeling unsafe on campus. However, as there is no physical harm or any other evidentiary claims to legally ban the group, I believe this matter was handled incorrectly.
-Kaelin T., Online
I think that everyone should have the right be able to express their opinions and beliefs on political views in a safe manner. These universities needs to respect and follow the first amendment that protects freedom of speech, press, religion, peace and assembly, and petition government. If the people affiliated in the organization is not encouraging violence behaviors then they should be allowed to voice their opinion and beliefs to other people. The entire organization should not be punished because of certain students being irresponsible. Gov. Greg Abbott decision on reducing funds for the university was unreasonable because they have not came to a settlement about the situation. I think it’s unfair what he is doing .
As mentioned by many other students, censoring and banning an organization from campus because of their perspective on certain issues is a direct violation of the First Amendment and of free speech. While I personally don't agree with Turning Point USA's stance on many things, it is their right to express themselves on certain matters and no one should be silenced for having different views than our own.
However, as duly noted in class, if these expressions of thought incite riot and violence, specifically against a group of individual, then I firmly believe that kind of behavior should not be protected. The safety of students, regardless of political affiliation, is of utmost importance and that is something we have not always seen prioritized in the past.
Finally, Gov. Greg Abbott's threat to cut funding from Texas State if they let this happen is counterproductive as well. Universities are a public forum where ideas and thoughts are exchanged for the betterment of society. Removing funding that helps support those institutions strikes at the core of this issue, which is the lack of respect and understanding of the other side's thoughts and views on different issues.
Sandra Sadek TTh Honors
I don't agree that a few people's wrongdoings should define the future of other organizations. If Turning Point USA committed the crimes that they are being presented with then they should be held responsible and they should be penalized. However, Turning Point USA shouldn't be barred from campus because this is is a First Amendment issue. It's disappointing to see that Governor Abbott threatened to stop funding for an entire institution without thinking about what that would do to the education of current and future students. Freedom of Speech is our right and though at times it might be challenging on all parties it is important to remain fair and act in the best interest of the students.
(TTH, Class)
There are a number of things going on in this situation that are absolutely abhorrent to me, so I'll try to focus on the main ones to direct my ire.
The attempt to ban a major political group from being able to partake in political discussion at the collegiate level is insane. The two-party system prevalent in every level of government was put into place because there are important issues in which citizen's perspective and outlooks condition them to have differing points of view. This does not make one superior to the other, or one wrong and one correct, it is simply another perspective to an issue and whether or not an individual agrees with that perspective does not mean it can be silenced. This was a fundamental attack on the basis of debate and progress.
Furthermore, the behavior and actions of those in attendance while Stormi Rodriguez was voicing her beliefs is disgusting. It reflects poorly upon the student body government, the college, the city, and the state as a whole. There is never a point in time where treating people with such disdain and disrespect while they are articulating their beliefs should be acceptable. This is a byproduct of the current vilification being done to conservatives nationwide, which does nothing to change an individuals beliefs, only makes them quieter about them and with more justification. This emphasizes the "Silent Majority" which voted Trump into office and broke every poll system which anticipated a Democratic victory. It is impossible to understand and realize that they are other perspectives to proper governance when those perspectives are silenced, berated, belittled, or barred.
How the student Senate thought that this legislation would solve any problems on campus is beyond me.
-Kyle Schofield
T/Th 12:30pm-1:50pm
As much as I don’t agree with the barring of Turning Point USA, I do understand where the Texas State Student Government is coming from. However, I do feel the decision was hasty and that this whole incident with Governor Abbott reaction is an overreaction. I do not agree with the legislation passed and it is important to realize that free speech has to go both ways. If you don’t like the speech, you are not obligated to listen to it. In the U.S. Supreme Court Case, Snyder v. Phelps, the protesters were protected under the first amendment from liability for intentional inflicting of emotional distress. This case is similar in trying to ban a website and a chapter that one can easily ignore. Barring TPUSA because it is too liberal is a completely different story/argument than trying to ban it for potentially targeting a professor, and we should not condone the decision if it is on the basis of free speech. As far as Governor Greg Abbot reaction is concerned, he should not be promoting to defund our college as it would harm all student current and prospective. The whole university should not be responsible for an action we don’t all agree with or could not control. Additionally, it is highly embarrassing to be depicted and judged based on the video that was posted online. The video consisted of a few students here at Texas State and does not mean that everyone is the same way. Some of us do want a peaceful resolution where we all can find a common ground, not one where the resolution is on either extremes.
-Manal Mubarak
(T/Th Honors class)
Raymond G T Th 12:30
Although I definitely agree that no one's free speech right should be infringed upon I think that the TPUSA involvement on campus goes further than that. From what I understand TPUSA has interfered on multiple campus elections by helping fund conservative candidates to win elections. I do no think that an organization which has been know to interfere in elections and even directly interfered with our own elections should be allowed on our campus to protect a just and fair election of student representatives. As for Greg Abbot who has a history of threatening to defund various types of institutions I think this was nothing but an attempt to put pressure on the university to not infringe on free speech rights that protect conservative groups.
I think the framing of TPUSA's removal as a free speech issue is an intentional choice to divert the public's attention from their illegal campaigning strategies. I was present and vocal during the meeting in question and every time the illegal sponsorships and bad decorum during election processes were discussed, the conversation would be flipped to the free speech nonissue at hand. TPUSA was not attacked for their political beliefs, just the forms those beliefs took and no other conservative groups are being taken off campus or silenced. For the Governor to hold this position and denounce students for demanding fair elections and speaking in fear of prejudice is deeply unfortunate but not out of character, and I fear the use of free speech arguments continuing to be used in defense of bigotry or misbehavior as a result.
Abigail B TTh 9:30
Part of being on a college campus is learning about a wide variety of viewpoints and opinions. Some of these, you won't agree with, but that's the beauty of free speech in the First Amendment. We are all entitled to have our own opinion and can discuss amongst ourselves with healthy debate. I agree that TPUSA cannot be barred because that would be the exact opposite of free speech. I don't think the governor's threat will go very far because, through the legislative process, the right decision will be made in regards to banning a student chapter on campus. I think this is a wake up call that free speech is good but it is important to be respectful of one another for a healthy debate on differing viewpoints and ideas.
-Dalton Marshall (T/TH)
As an organization at a public university, I believe all opinions are valid and deserve to be heard, grand, that they are following the school's regulations that they agreed to when starting said organization. With that being said, I don't think that punishing an entire group because a select fews choice of action is fair. There should be consequences for supposed illegal activities no doubt, however until administration or proper authority steps in, TPUSA is protected under Free Speech. Although most may not agree, negative and even hateful comments and opinions are protected, and if there was a law broken, those accused should be reprimanded.
Barring Turning Point USA seems to boil down to a first amendment issue, and I don't believe they should be banned from campus. We might not always agree with what people have to say, but if they aren't infringing upon our rights then they must be allowed to express opinions without punishment. It also seems like they are getting a bad wrap because of the actions of a few that might not represent the whole group.
4301 ONLINE
Taylor Pressley
I can understand both sides of the argument. On one hand, if the student government wants to ban TPUSA because of their conservative beliefs then they are in the wrong and violating the first amendment. But I also think that if TPUSA participated in election tampering then I believe they should not be allowed on campus. I don't think that it's right for an organization that is known to interfere with elections should be allowed on campus to potentially continue interfering with elections. I think the student government is right in trying to protect future elections. In regards to Governor Greg Abbott's threats, I think he is very unprofessional. He has a habit of threatening to defund universities most recently he threatened to defund universities who classified themselves as a sanctuary campus. I feel like his threats are just scare tactics.
Jessica Calderon (online)
I think it was hasty and frankly immature for the student government to push for the banning of TPUSA in the first place. Don't get me wrong-- I do not support TPUSA's political model and largely disagree with their ideologies-- but banning them is not something the SG was capable of doing, and shouldn't have even been on the table. When Boreing resigned, and the SG came up with no conclusive evidence supporting any wrongdoing, that should have been the end of it.
I know several current and past senators, and I am glad to say that most of them are reasonable, albeit exhaustingly passionate people. But they should have known better-- many of them are entering law and politics and should be aware that chipping away at free speech in a very politically divided state would cause uproar whether the ban was approved or not.
As for Governor Abbott, I don't think he needed to jump in. His influence only stoked the fire. He used broad, over-encompassing language despite knowing very little about the situation, which only caused harm to the situation.
Allen B. (Honors T-TH 9:30)
What do you think about this? I think the whole situation was a little much/excessive. I think the student government didn't really have the right to ban TPUSA, but I also do not think that Gov. Abbott's comment helped, rather it ignited the fire.
All in all, I think it definitely could have been handled better/differently on both parts.
Kayla D. TTH
Interestingly enough the first I heard about all of this was during a meeting for Cat Camp (an incoming freshman traditions summer camp we offer). The counselors were filled in on the facts of the situation in case incoming freshman were to ask about it. That is when I realized the magnitude of the situation and after further self research and reading these links I have formed my own opinion that Turning Point should be banned. However, I do recognize that the Student Body government doesn't have the power to do so and that should be upheld. The fact that the conservative Governor is seemingly at odds with our university due to our predominantly liberal student body is a concerning fact, but empowering in the same way as our voices are being heard on a state and national level. It is just what will happen in response to being heard that is up in the air.
Bart Peluso 12:30pm TTH
I find it difficult to make an assessment from my current position and I fear possibly misinterpreting the articles, but as I understand it, Student Government would have been justified in passing the resolution with more proof of TPUSA's misconduct. It seems to me like the authors jumped to conclusions in judging a radical minority on behalf of a majority, then opted for the nuclear option of banning TPUSA altogether. TPUSA then played it up by claiming it was a First Amendment issue, rallying support by using blanket terms and casting any opposition in a bad light. Influencing elections and harassing students would qualify as misconduct regardless of politics, but instead of strictly trying to address these claims many people, Governor Abbott included, are playing into a partisan argument that should not be taking priority over the question of students' safety and autonomy. With more evidence of the allegations against TPUSA there could be solid grounds for banning the organization from campus, but as of yet there is not enough to prove them guilty of misconduct and therefor ask the university to take action.
Hayden Hovsepian
Honors, T/R
I agree with some of the comments in this thread saying that this is not a case of banning conservative organization but banning an organization that has interfered with campus life. As the article mentions, Professor Stone's class was taken off the registrar because of the actions of some members of TPUSA. The students that were not involved with the disruptive behavior can join some of the other conservative organizations on campus. As for Governor Abbot, it is disappointing to see getting involved like that because he is just stoking the fire and causing more division.
Ralph David, TTH, 12:30-1:15
I think it's healthy to have opinions from all parties involved. I also believe it's okay to voice your opinion but I'm a firm believer in how you present yourself while doing so. What I don't agree with is how Governor Abbott freely states his frustration towards Texas State and how easy it is for him to threaten funding is an extremely childish and manipulative tactic.
Alexandra Cochran TUE/THUR
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