Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. June 15, 2018. (Gage Skidmore/flickr)
Turning Point USA Founder and Executive Director Charlie Kirk will speak at CU on Wednesday. Joining Kirk is Turning Point USA’s Communications Director Candace Owens.
Kirk started the organization in 2012 after writing an essay for Breitbart news about apparent liberal bias in educational textbooks. Fox News, CNBC and Business News have all featured Kirk.
Additionally, at the 2016 Republican National Convention, Kirk was the youngest speaker. He is also a best-selling author.
Candace Owens is a conservative activist. As a person of color, Owens is known for her critical stance on Black Lives Matter.
Candace Owens. June 16, 2018. (Gage Skidmore/flickr)
Kirk announced Owens’ appointment to director of urban engagement at a Make America Great Again rally in Illinois in 2017. Owens has the support of far-right conservatives and conspiracy theorists. She appeared on InfoWars and guest hosted Fox News.
“Turning Point USA’s mission is to educate students about the importance of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government. Through non-partisan debate, dialogue and discussion, Turning Point USA believes that every young person can be enlightened to true free market values,” Turning Point’s website says.
Turning Point USA has a presence on the campuses of over 1300 universities and high schools. They’ll soon kick off their Campus Clash tour.
The Campus Clash tour will hit 11 schools, starting with CU Boulder and ending at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The tour will highlight topics such as big government, culture and the Democratic party.
Ashley Mayer, president of Turning Point USA’s CU Boulder Chapter, looks forward to the event.
“I am excited to be hosting Charlie and Candace and believe the event will be a huge success. The two will be talking about limited government and the current political culture,” Mayer said.
With the midterm elections starting to take heat, Turning Point USA’s Campus Clash tour could make a considerable impact in rallying conservative students to vote.
Tickets are free but are provided on a first come, first serve basis. The event will take place at the CU Events Center. Attendees must have both a ticket and a photo ID to enter. They can expect airport style screening, with no bags allowed inside.
For more information contact CU Independent news reporter Claire van Zwieten at claire.vanzwieten@colorado.edu.
