Kyle Rittenhouse is not your usual campus speaker. He made headlines in 2020 when he was only 17. He brought a rifle to a Black Lives Matter protest, resulting in many casualties.
He was tried but his claim of self-defense was what made the judge acquit him. Now, he’s on a college speaking tour, which he named the “Rittenhouse Recap,” and Clemson University is next on the agenda.
Rittenhouse isn’t just selling books or advocating for gun rights; he’s also trying to get some more young people to accept the values and views of conservatism.
This campus tour is organized by Turning Point USA, as well as led by figures associated with the former President Donald Trump. He wants to start some conversations around gun control, even if it seems controversial.
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At Kent State University, where Rittenhouse spoke at a recent event, there were a lot of mixed reactions. While some saw this as a way to start up difficult conversations, others said that this form of conversations are glorifying guns and violence and are very divisive.
His message advocating for the right to bear arms on campus has started many protests and some even question the limits of the rights to freedom of speech. Some people think that campuses should be open to having these kinds of hard conversations, but some others believe that there’s a line when speech becomes a threat.
“He has used every moment to gloat and to make light of taking life,” Paul Prediger said, speaking publicly for the first time about what happened in protest of a Rittenhouse speech last week at Kent State.
“As if that were not enough, Kyle has embraced and been embraced by those who peddle hateful rhetoric, who believe in nationalism that excludes those who do not look like or think like them, and who have sought to amplify a troubling desire for violence against supposed political, cultural, and religious enemies.”
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Rittenhouse insists he’s reminding students of their constitutional rights, but those who criticize him are trying to make a point that his conversations promote fear and intolerance. “Every American has a constitutional right to bear arms,” he said, “and it should not be infringed by a college campus.”
The controversy surrounding Rittenhouse’s tour isn’t new for Turning Point USA, known for hosting controversial figures. From Milo Yiannopoulos to Nick Fuentes, the group has a history of starting controversial conversations.
Universities are a bit confused on how to handle such a situation. They are torn between upholding free speech and also ensuring that students are safe on their campuses.
While protests are a form of expression, they must not disrupt the event itself. Experts emphasize the importance of separating academic discussion and controversial or provocative speech.
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Non-academic speakers like Rittenhouse are said to be too controversial and always paint themselves as victims in situations like these. For Turning Point USA, controversy isn’t a deterrent; it’s a strategy. By stirring drama, they ensure their message is heard, even if it sparks outrage.
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