Professor Discusses Role in Conservative Group
A liberal faculty member at Georgia College & State University recently expressed her support for the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter in a guest piece for the New York Times. Nicholas Criel, an associate professor of business law, who identifies as liberal and critiques former President Donald Trump, conveyed that it’s possible to guide a conservative group without compromising one’s own beliefs.
“Being a liberal professor advising Mr. Kirk’s organization is not contradictory. It shows that sharing different viewpoints, even politely, is still achievable when there’s a genuine effort to do so,” Criel noted.
He mentioned he had never officially joined TPUSA; instead, he decided to assist after other faculty members declined to help the students launch the chapter. “My commitment to free speech led me to assist the students, who needed support,” he explained, adding that other teachers had turned down requests for guidance.
Criel told one of the students starting a local branch that their involvement wasn’t rooted in ideological alignment, but rather in ensuring they had access to the same resources as other student organizations. He also noted that the group needed advocates for members who might feel isolated because of their beliefs.
Despite their differing viewpoints, Criel found the newly elected president of the TPUSA chapter to be just a politically curious young individual eager for extra conversations. He sensed a connection in her genuine interest, evoking memories of his own collegiate days.
I guess he initially thought he wouldn’t be deeply involved after the student president stepped down and the chapter gained momentum. However, everything changed after Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10.
“After Kirk’s death, it was clear our TPUSA students would be heartbroken,” Criel shared. He organized security for a vigil in Kirk’s memory, feeling that while he didn’t anticipate any problems, it was essential to ensure safety for those mourning.
His ongoing support naturally fostered discussions. He shared an unexpected moment from a recent conversation with the chapter’s president, saying, “She made some offhand remarks that caught me by surprise, like how much she enjoys reading my opinion pieces.”
In a poignant moment, Criel reflected on how a conservative student asked him for his perspective, showing a willingness to engage with opposing views. He remarked, “It illustrated what authentic intellectual exchange can achieve. She didn’t retreat into her comfort zone; she actively sought out challenging ideas.”
After a week filled with political unrest, Criel stepped back and observed the TPUSA members engaging in the difficult work of democracy. “If they can overcome these divides, we all have no reason to shy away,” he concluded.
