Pitt students condemn political violence, debate gun control following Charlie Kirk murder

By Amanda Yu, Kyra McCague, and Naomi Weiss • September 12, 2025

In the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent political figure and conservative activist who was fatally shot on Wednesday, many Pitt students on both sides of the aisle are condemning political violence. 

Knowles event draws conservative supporters, LGBTQ+ ralliers

By Amanda Yu and Naomi Weiss • April 8, 2025

About 150 students and community members listened to Knowles speak about political violence, the flaws of liberalism and transgender people while about 75 people protested outside the event. Event attendees said they appreciated the open political discussion, while ralliers criticized the University for allowing Knowles to speak on campus.

Upcoming Michael Knowles event draws backlash from LGBTQ+ groups

By Sydney Krasniewski, Staff Writer • April 3, 2025

College Republicans at Pitt are hosting Michael Knowles for an event in the O’Hara Ballroom on April 7. As the event approaches, leaders of LGBTQ+ student organizations are preparing to protest.

Pitt’s Turning Point chapter disbands due to disagreement over viral video

By Briana Bindus and Spencer Levering • October 12, 2024

The Pitt College Republicans executive board announced that Pitt’s chapter of Turning Point USA was disbanded in an email sent to about 400 students and community members on Wednesday afternoon.

Michael Knowles, Brad Polumbo debate transgender issues, government regulation at Pitt

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • April 19, 2023

Michael Knowles and Brad Polumbo debated the question “should transgenderism be regulated by law?” as chants from protestors outside the building echoed throughout the O’Hara Ballroom Tuesday evening.

New participant found to debate Michael Knowles at Pitt, debate topic changed

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • April 14, 2023

Pitt’s College Republicans, sponsored by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, has found a new participant to debate conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. They’ve also changed the topic of the on-campus debate.

Status of ‘transgenderism and womanhood’ debate at Pitt uncertain after participant drops out

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • April 12, 2023

Deirdre McCloskey has dropped out of a debate at Pitt against political commentator Michael Knowles on “transgenderism and womanhood,” set for next Tuesday. She said Knowles is “hate-mongering” and “uninterested in finding the truth.”

Controversial Turning Point, College Republicans events not funded by University

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • March 29, 2023

Two conservative student groups hosting controversial events at Pitt acquired funding for the events through outside organizations instead of seeking assistance from the University.

Conservative commentator Cabot Phillips criticizes ‘liberal privilege’ on college campuses at Turning Point event

By Rebecca Johnson, Editor-in-Chief • March 24, 2023

Right-wing commentator Cabot Phillips spoke with conservative students at Pitt Friday evening, saying “there is nothing that gives you privilege about being a white male at a college campus.” About 25 people attended the event hosted by Pitt’s Turning Point USA chapter.

College Democrats, Republicans debate abortion, drag bans and health care

By Alexandra Ross, Assistant News Editor • March 21, 2023

One of the most contentious issues at a debate between Pitt’s College Republicans and College Democrats on Monday night came when College Republicans vice president Joshua Minsky and College Democrats president Amanda Thornton debated whether abortion is a human right.