college republicans Archives

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.

Student petition calls for the cancellation of upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

By Punya Bhasin, News Editor • March 13, 2023

More than 6,000 Pitt students have signed a petition to cancel three scheduled “anti-trans” events that will be held at Pitt, as some trans and queer students raise concerns about the “potential for violence” on campus.

Inflation trumps abortion for College Republicans when choosing candidates in midterm election

By Alexandra Ross, Senior Staff Writer • November 2, 2022

As the midterm election approaches, members of the Pitt College Republicans club say the economy, the Second Amendment and fracking are some of the most important issues on their minds.

Editorial | Clemson College Republicans shouldn’t hide behind respectability politics

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • April 13, 2022

The Clemson College Republicans condemning a drag show politicizes a fun university event and alienates queer and transgender students.

Republicans reflect on Trump’s loss, down-ballot wins

By Colm Slevin, Staff Writer • November 11, 2020

While Joe Biden supporters celebrated his Saturday victory in the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump’s supporters had to face the reality of the Republican president losing reelection. While Biden may have turned Pennsylvania blue, Republicans still won congressional seats, giving Pennsylvania Republicans something to celebrate for themselves.