Petition to Remove Turning Point USA from Rutgers Gains Support
An online petition aimed at disbanding the Turning Point USA chapter at Rutgers University is drawing attention, including support from an associate professor of religious studies. This initiative is stirred up by reports from various news outlets.
The Change.org petition argues that “The Rutgers Chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) continues to promote hate speech and incite violence against our community. This disturbing behavior has created a toxic environment that has already had tragic consequences.”
While Change.org may not list every signatory, reports indicate that Associate Professor Tia Kolbaba has added her name to the petition supporting the removal of conservative groups from the campus.
An analysis of her profile on Rutgers University’s site shows Kolbaba specializes in “early Christianity” and “Byzantine studies,” realms that connect to historical cultures situated between the Islamic Middle East and Catholic Europe.
It’s a bit ironic that a professor is supporting these actions since Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point, identifies as a devout Christian, as noted in reports.
Kolbaba appears to have a solid reputation among students, although a review on a professor rating site claims she is a “mean woman who hates conservative things” and made the student feel threatened due to her stance on free speech.
In response to the controversy, Rutgers University stated, “The university is committed to providing a safe environment where all members of our community can share their ideas without fear of intimidation or harassment.” They also emphasized the importance of free speech and academic freedom but noted they don’t comment on specific personnel issues.
Kolbaba has not responded to requests for comments.
This petition comes shortly after a Utah resident was charged for allegedly attempting to assassinate Kirk during a campus event. Meanwhile, the Turning Point USA’s coordinator at Rutgers has labeled the petition as “defamatory.”
Coordinator Eva Kwan claims that allegations of inciting violence are completely unfounded, asserting, “The same people who claim we are suppressing free speech are actively trying to silence those of us who speak the truth. This is not just ironic; it is hypocritical and absurd.”
The situation escalated when the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point initiated its own petition to have another professor, Mark Bray, removed, referring to him as “Dr. Antifa.” Bray has authored a book that advocates for “militant anti-fascism.” Some reports suggest he has financial ties to Antifa, indicating that proceeds from his book are meant to support the group.
Bray has stated plans to move to Spain due to threats he and his family are facing amid political tensions.
The petition seeking to ban Turning Point from campus suggests that Bray’s concerns for his family’s safety stem from the intimidation he faces from the group.
Kwan refuted that notion, insisting, “Any opinion that challenges their worldview is immediately branded as ‘hate speech,’ used as a tool to control dissent and uphold their narratives. The petition, Bray’s planned departure, and voices from disenfranchised Rutgers advocates reveal one simple truth: they know they’re losing.”
