On Wednesday following the midterm election, a group of students stood by a table outside the University Center with signs such as “Capitalism cures,” and “Fake news is everywhere. Change my mind.” The activity was organized by the newly formed Colorado Mesa University chapter of Turning Point USA to encourage discussion and find new members. The club had pins, flyers and signs to hand out to interested passersby.
“Turning Point is a conservative club that promotes free speech, limited government and fiscal responsibility,” Andrew Morlang, president of Turning Point at CMU, said.
Morlang came from what he described as a “fairly conservative pocket in Denver,” and had a number of conservative teachers. When Morlang came to CMU, his experience with professors was different from his high school days. “Coming here to college, I’ve really been exposed to the mass of liberal and socialist teachers that have been pushing their ideas on me.”
The change caused Morlang to seek out a conservative outlet. From his perspective, College Republicans was not doing well and no other conservative clubs existed. Seeing a need, Morlang used his high school experience for inspiration.
“I was in Turning Point in high school and I loved the group, I loved the people who started it. Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens are great speakers,” Morlang said. “So I just thought to start Turning Point and it’s only grown since.”
After the event Wednesday, Morlang anticipated having over 30 members. The goal, however, is to have 100 members and a noticeable presence on campus.
“We just want everyone to know that we’re here,” Morlang said. “We want to host events at the theater and have speakers come. We’re going to be travelling around the country listening to various speakers.”
While Morlang said he’s happy with the growth thus far, Turning Point is not without its challenges. “Finding an advisor has been the biggest thing because we’ve just been having to meet in the library on just some tables because we can’t get a classroom and get that sponsorship.”
Turning Point may solve the lack of an advisor soon when the group holds an upcoming presentation to some faculty members. The addition of an advisor may, in turn, help the group achieve the growth and presence it desires at CMU.
