In the 2016 political season, Republican clubs in college campuses all across the nation are split between backing the Republican nominee Donald Trump, or making the decision to withdraw their endorsement.
In August, the Harvard Republican Club, nationally known for backing the Republican parties locally and nationally, made a decision to not back the Republican nominee.
In the Harvard Crimson newspaper, the club said, “Americans are a decent people. We work hard, protect our own, and look out for one another in times of need, regardless of the color of our skin, the God we worship, or our party registration. Donald Trump may not believe in that America, but we do.”
This decision is the first of its kind since the club’s founding in 1888.
Since universities are hesitant to back the Republican nominees, it can leave a lot to be said about the goals and missions of Republican clubs nationwide.
The University College Republicans released a Campus Update about joining this past month saying, “(we) will be discussing how to survive on campus as a conservative.”
Kyle Lamb, co-chairman of BGSU’s chapter of College Republicans, said that the Campus Update was in reference to the “liberal bias” present on campus.
“[You can] get a vibe on campus for institutional liberalism,” he said, “(where) the majority of faculty and staff can lean left.”
Lamb wants to use one of the platforms of College Republicans to help conservative-identifying students on campus keep hold of their beliefs without being disrespectful.
“There are ways to maneuver around these obstacles in a way that doesn’t get (students) in trouble,” he said. “You need to be steadfast in your beliefs, but (you) don’t want to get in fights with your professors. There’s a civil way to go about it.”
Lamb spoke of a time in one of his classes when he felt an inappropriate comment was made about the Republican Party, and he confronted his professor about it after class.
Lamb said that the professor recanted the statement in the following class.
According to the official Students4Trump website, Bowling Green State University has not officially aligned with the program “Students4Trump,” and Lamb confirmed that the College Republicans will not be coming outright with an endorsement.
However, Lamb said that many members have campaigned and will campaign for Mr. Trump within local elections.
Lamb said that College Republicans has helped Ohio Senator Rob Portman’s campaign in the past years.
College Republicans meets every Thursday at 7 p.m., with locations varying. For locations and further information, please email President Garrett Reynolds at [email protected] or co-chairman Kyle Lamb at [email protected].
