Every Franklin and Marshall student got the email. The headline “Are you a conservative student on campus?” led to a collective “Oh god” from many liberal students. But why? A liberal arts education does not inherently imply “liberalism” or “democratic,” even though these may be the political leanings associated with a small liberal arts school. Would the reaction have been the same for the subject line of “Are you a socialist student on campus?” It’s unlikely. So what exactly is the purpose of Young Americans for Freedom? And what is it like having conservative views on a left-leaning campus?
Young Americans for Freedom is a national organization that follows the Sharon Statement which has emphasized free speech, laissez-faire economics, minimal federal government, and anti-communist sentiments since the 1960s. The organization formed as a platform for conservative students to share their political beliefs with their peers.
Makoa Niebel ‘25 explained in an interview that he started a chapter at Franklin and Marshall to spread intellectual diversity. He noted that diversity is celebrated on college campuses but thinks intellectual diversity is more important because this is “diversity you can choose.”
The main point Niebel will emphasize through YAF is freedom of speech. Many conservative students suppress their ideas for fear of being “canceled.” Niebel aims to give students a space to have conversations without that fear. He spoke of the “agenda” that he believes is on campus and feels that his education here often lacks a conservative viewpoint. Although he does not necessarily agree with the viewpoints he is exposed to, he still appreciates hearing them. Perhaps this is a mindset that more Americans should learn to adopt. Regardless of political leanings, he is still grateful for the opportunities F&M has provided him.
He noted that some students choose their colleges because they want to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. For example, Christian students go to Christian universities or liberal students go to left-leaning colleges. However, for him, this was not a determining factor when choosing a school. Niebel still believes that he should have a space to express his political beliefs. And why shouldn’t he?
As long as they are not harmful to others, people need to have an outlet to formulate their beliefs. It forces a moment of reflection. When political opinions are instantly shunned – it often leads to the formation of extremist sentiments, forcing people to feel the need to defend their thoughts instead of thinking about why they have them.
Although it’s cliche, it also allows people to discover similarities in their beliefs. Although the modern political climate may not reflect it, politics are not black and white. A person can believe in one cause and still understand an argument that may work against their own.
Young Americans for Freedom welcomes people with different beliefs and intends to offer a space where free speech is celebrated. By the time Niebel graduates, he plans on bringing in five speakers to discuss the topics of pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro-freedom of speech. He also would be willing to work with our school’s nonpartisan coalition, F&M Votes.
Perhaps Young Americans for Freedom can open up an opportunity for Franklin and Marshall students to reflect on why it is so hard to have political discourse that doesn’t end in a heated debate – and if that aggression is always productive. If students cannot learn to navigate political discourse on campus, then where else should they learn?
At the end of our interview, Niebel and I discussed our own political views. Unsurprisingly to me, we agreed on virtually nothing. We stood at the opposite end of most issues, however, it was one the most polite and respectful conversations I’ve had while discussing such controversial issues. We asked each other questions not to attack, but to understand each other’s perspective – a concept lacking in even the leading politicians of our nation.
We could, however, agree on one thing: there is corruption in both political parties. We must learn, as a generation, to have respectful conversations with people who do not agree with us. Otherwise, there is no chance of amending the democratic system our generation has become so apathetic towards.
Freshman Lily Andrey is the Campus Life Editor. Her email is landrey@fandm.edu.