Turning Point USA’s University of Florida chapter is moving to remove dozens of College Republicans from its group chat, citing their support for Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes as violations of hate speech policies.
The controversy erupted Wednesday when the University of Florida (UF) College Republicans shared a screenshot of a message from the TPUSA UF president on social media platform X.
The TPUSA chapter’s message outlined its commitment to maintaining what it described as a welcoming environment for all students.
The organization stated it promotes open dialogue grounded in mutual respect and democratic values. However, the message took a harder stance against what it termed “hate speech” and harassment.
The chapter warned it would not tolerate rhetoric promoting xenophobia, misogyny, racism, antisemitism or any ideology rooted in discrimination or violence.
The TPUSA UF president cited recent concerns and communications from university administration regarding individuals affiliated with what the chapter characterized as far-right extremist movements.
The message stated these individuals posed threats toward members of the UF community.
“Any individual found engaging in or endorsing this type of rhetoric will be removed from the group me,” the message stated.
The chapter invoked the late Charlie Kirk, who died last month, as justification for its position.
The message referenced Kirk’s rejection of Nick Fuentes during his campus tour, stating there is no place for hatred or intolerance in civic discourse.
The UF College Republicans responded forcefully to the threatened removals.
“@TPUSAUFhas censored and banned a large number of our members from their chat, citing ‘hate speech’ for the student’s support of Tucker Carlson and dedication to free speech,” the group posted.
“We are disappointed that a TPUSA chapter has decided to censor and cancel those who they disagree with.”
A TPUSA Florida chapter board member issued an extensive follow-up message to the College Republicans, emphasizing that conservatism is founded on principles of freedom, opportunity and respect for everyone.
The board member stated the organization’s goal is to educate, empower and unite students who believe in limited government and free markets.
The board member’s message addressed what it described as problematic content in conservative group chats.
“Lately we have seen messages in conservative group chats that are racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, sexist, Islamaphobic, and anti-Semitic. That kind of language and behavior has no place in our movement, on our campus, or in any community that values freedom and human dignity,” the message stated.
The TPUSA board member argued that defeating socialism requires bringing people in rather than pushing them away.
The message criticized what it characterized as mindless derogatory discussions that do nothing to help the conservative movement.
“Extremism never wins. Hate does not persuade,” the board member wrote, adding that the movement’s rhetoric should focus on beating the left rather than engaging in derogatory discourse.
The message also emphasized the importance of women in the conservative movement, stating that disrespecting or dismissing women contradicts claims about supporting individual liberty, opportunity and human dignity.
The UF College Republicans responded to the TPUSA chapter’s statement with criticism.
“The club is claiming to be inclusive for removing members they disagree with. Disgusting,” the group posted.
The internal conflict at UF comes amid broader tensions within conservative circles over Tucker Carlson’s recent podcast featuring Nick Fuentes.
The two-hour conversation included Fuentes making statements about what he characterized as “Zionist Jews” controlling America.
Mark Levin addressed the issue at the Republican Jewish Coalition summit, stating that politicians refusing to denounce Carlson and Fuentes “need to be afraid.”
Ben Shapiro devoted a Monday episode of “The Ben Shapiro Show” to criticizing Carlson, calling him an “intellectual coward” and “the most virulent superspreader of vile ideas in America” for failing to challenge Fuentes’ statements during the podcast.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)) has even slammed Carlson over his recent interview with Fuentes, calling it cowardly while accusing the ex-Fox News host of being complicit in evil.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) appeared at the RJC event holding a sign reading “Tucker is not MAGA.”
Fine characterized Carlson as “the most dangerous antisemite in America” and accused him of leading a “modern-day Hitler Youth.”
The backlash against Carlson has prompted reactions from some conservatives who view the criticism as establishment tone-policing.
Social media posts from users expressing frustration with what they perceive as gatekeeping have gained traction online.
