Clayton Lansford, President of YCT

I was asked to write this column following the Young Conservatives of Texas hosting Riley Gaines on campus, alongside opinion pieces in the Trinitonian discussing her visit, the content of which I am unsure of. I could use my 300 words to argue for Gaines’s ideas, but that would just be a waste. Instead, it’s more effective to address why, regardless of whether you agree with Gaines, allowing her to speak is important.

America was founded on the principles of freedom and diversity of thought. The freedom of speech, a cornerstone of these values, builds resilience in Americans. It teaches us that we can be right or wrong on any topic, but it’s always valuable to hear a range of viewpoints because there is always more to learn. Trying to prevent an idea from being shared is both cowardly and fragile — it suggests a fear that one’s own beliefs may be wrong.

The Young Conservatives of Texas don’t agree with many speakers and events on campus, but you won’t see YCT working to prevent others from attending those events. Someone who truly believes in their ideas would welcome challenges to their views. YCT is open to disagreement and debate; it’s central to our country’s values. This is why we do not, and will never, try to limit attendance at any event. YCT encourages debate and discussion.

The PRIDE and Progressive clubs demonstrated a lack of confidence in their own beliefs by attempting to silence a dissenting opinion on Trinity’s campus. The viewpoint that Gaines expressed, which they considered so harmful, is actually one shared by 69% of Americans, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. It is concerning that a widely held belief in America is deemed unacceptable by these organizations. While I understand that this viewpoint may not align with their beliefs, college campuses are intended to be spaces for the free exchange of ideas, and Trinity’s campus should be treated as such.