On Thursday, February 8th, 2024, ETSU’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Chapter will host the controversy-ridden gun rights advocate, Kyle Rittenhouse. This event is taking place during Black History Month, which historically is meant to uplift black individuals, yet TPUSA is hosting a speaker with a history of anti-blackness. Young Democratic Socialists of America at ETSU condemns Turning Point’s continual platforming of individuals with harmful ideals.

YDSA’s Demands for ETSU:

1.      Emphasis on security for minority groups on campus during current/future events featuring controversial content and/or figures. 

2.      Specification of the content of ETSU’s hate speech policy and creating an effective enforcement plan for that policy. We demand that in rewriting this policy, that there be an open forum for students of all backgrounds to give their input. We also demand that Dr. Noland and Dr. Byrd be present for this forum to ensure that student voices are considered. 

3.      A written statement from Brian Noland and the Student Government Association condemning this event as Kyle Rittenhouse’s connections to groups associated with white supremacy are in clear violation of ETSU’s supposed hate speech policy.  

4.      Reevaluation of ETSU’s event hosting approval process to ensure that all organizations receive equal consideration. Furthermore, all student organizations should have the same ease in planning and booking events on campus.

We want to show Kyle Rittenhouse that the ETSU community, as well as the overall tri-cities community, does not want him to receive a platform here. Sign this petition to show our region's solidarity in opposition to Rittenhouse's presence here as well as support for our demands!