Photo: Emily Rasmussen. Protesters gather outside of the Cal State Long Beach University Student Union to oppose Turning Point USA’s visit to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 23.
Nearly 200 protesters gathered at the front of the Cal State Long Beach University Student Union to oppose an event with conservative organization Turning Point USA Tuesday night, Oct. 23.
Turning Point USA is a nonprofit that promotes “freedom, free markets and limited government” that came to Cal State Long Beach as the second stop in Campus Clash, a series of college campus visits by the organization. Its founder is Charlie Kirk – a young, conservative activist and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump – who spoke at the event, in addition to the organization’s spokesperson Candace Owens.
Protesters chanted phrases including “Go home, fascists” and “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here” next to a barricade that surrounded the University Student Union. And although the University Police presence was heavy, and officers set up the barricades, there were moments when protesters and anti-protesters got confrontational, including some pushing and yelling.
Emily Rasmussen@rasmussenreportI’m at @CSULB where students are protesting outside of the Student Union where Turning Point USA, a conservative organization, is holding an event on campus tonight.
Emily Rasmussen@rasmussenreportIt just got heated a minute ago at the Cal State Long Beach protest, when someone in the crowd started shouting at the protestors. pic.twitter.com/7TM3XlZ4y5
“These are important political figures, they’re in the news all of the time,” Feiner said. “And to hear what they have to say about today’s current events – the protesters might not like them, but it’s important (for us) to hear what they have to say.”
The event started at 7 p.m., but protesters started gathering at 6 p.m. No injuries or arrests were reported during the demonstration and no property was reported damaged, according to the university.
“Long Beach State police understands the importance of respecting everyone’s First Amendment rights,” said University Police Chief Fernando Solorzano said in a statement.
University Police Lt. Rick Goodwin said the venue, which holds up to 236 people, was full. And an overflow line of people who wanted to attend the event was growing outside.
“The barricades are here as a protective barrier for those individuals who are coming to the event tonight,” Goodwin said, “to dissuade any protesters from actually getting in closer to the venue and causing a conflict with the people who are here to visit.”
Cal State San Marcos student Joseph Alvarado said he came to Long Beach specifically for the Turning Point USA event. Alvarado, a Libertarian, said he feels that his voice isn’t often heard at college campuses because many of the students are liberal.
“I feel like when I’m at school I can’t be open about my beliefs, I can’t be open about my views,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado added that he thinks its important that Turning Point USA is coming to Cal State University campuses so that students can hear multiple sides to issues.
Student Savannah Domingue said she joined the protest because she wants to support LGBTQ rights and feels the Trump administration is putting those rights at risk.
“I think it’s really important that we protest and exercise our freedom of speech, just as they do,” Domingue said. “In the long run, I don’t think they’ll stop doing this because we’re protesting, but I do think that these protests do come together as a movement.”
Student Juan Sandoval echoed Domingue and said that although he’s disappointed Turning Point USA came to Cal State Long Beach, he was proud to be among his peers in the protest.
“I’m here to support where I come from, I’m gay and I want to support the whole community,” Sandoval said. “I’m glad that I go to this school, there are two different points of views (represented) here.”
Source: EMILY RASMUSSEN ~ Long Beach Press-Telegram ~ O
