![Will Witt presented his book "Not complying" at the TPUSA event on September 26.](https://www.fsunews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/01/PFSU/71021763007-screen-shot-20230930-at-54224-pm.png?width=660&height=521&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
On Tuesday, September 26, the Turning Point USA chapter of Florida State University hosted conservative political commentator Will Witt. guided tour of the book. The event took place in the Student Union ballrooms and was attended by approximately 50 members of the public.
Turning point United States, commonly abbreviated as TPUSA, is a national conservative student activist organization founded by right-wing media personality and organizer Charlie Kirk. TPUSA and its members manage more than 600 collegiate chapters across the country. The group is widely known for its campus activism efforts in support of free markets, limited government, free speech, and traditional social views.
FSU’s Turning Point chapter regularly presents and participates in activism on campus. Notable recent efforts include their demonstration of the “Free Speech Ball”. In early September, the group offered FSU students the opportunity to write whatever they wanted on a large inflatable volleyball as a way to exercise their free expression. In addition to their activism, they welcome conservative speakers. The group is often criticized by left-wing student organizations for its controversial views and events.
Witt began his media career with the conservative educational platform PragerU. He is now editor-in-chief of The Florida Standard, a conservative newspaper. Witt’s book, “Do Not Comply,” targets politicians, celebrities and business executives he sees as opposing his conservative political views.
Prior to his remarks, Witt was introduced by Owen Girard, president of FSU’s TPUSA chapter. Girard personally credited Witt with inspiring his political activism and helping him find his political voice. Girard organized the event alongside Noah Durham, TPUSA field representative for Florida Panhandle schools.
Witt made remarks about Christianity in America, life as a conservative activist and controversial cultural issues. He has criticized the Biden administration, the public education system and left-wing political ideology. A common theme emphasized by Witt was the need for alternative institutions for conservatives.
Following his promotion of the book’s ideas, Witt took questions from the audience. FSU students asked questions about careers in media, Christian living and contemporary political topics. Several also shared their political experiences with Witt.
Regarding the event, FSU freshman Tom Weber addressed TPUSA and Witt’s mission saying, “I may not agree with everything they say …but it’s nice to hear different points of view. » Weber, a political science major from Illinois and a self-described moderate, was attending his first Turning Point event. Reflecting on FSU’s campus political culture, he said it “includes” opposing viewpoints.
Consistent with standard practice for high-profile political speakers on campus, FSUPD officers were present. However, no student protests against Witt or TPUSA took place, as seen previously by organizations, including Students for a Democratic Society, for speaker Charlie Kirk. In October last year, SDS condemned the university for allowing TPUSA to host Kirk, saying on Instagram job that “by welcoming far-right racists and homophobes, the university itself has created a dangerous situation.”
Commenting on the event, Girard said afterward: “The goal of Turning Point USA is to promote a culture of free speech on campus. That’s exactly what we were able to accomplish last night with Will Witt. Girard thanked Witt for his activism, crediting him with promoting free speech on college campuses across the country. Girard continued, “We will be hosting many more speakers throughout the school year. »
Later in the year, FSU’s TPUSA chapter hopes to host conservative commentator Matt Walsh. Walsh, known for his right-wing activism, starred in the controversial documentary film “What is a Woman?” ”, which presents conservative responses to gender issues.
As the country approaches the 2024 election season and state legislative session, students from the former Soviet Union can expect an increase in political events and media coverage on campus.