Baylor Hosts Dueling Student Political Events on Same Day

Conservative speakers and interfaith dialogue event scheduled in campus conflict

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in red, white, and blue hues depicting a podium, microphone, and audience, conveying the divisive political discourse on a college campus.The scheduling conflict of dueling political events at Baylor University exposes the tensions around free speech and inclusion on college campuses.Waco Today

Baylor University will host two student-organized political events next Wednesday - one featuring conservative speakers from Turning Point USA, and another focused on interfaith dialogue and support organized by a coalition of student groups. The scheduling conflict has raised questions about free speech and inclusion on campus.

Why it matters

The simultaneous events highlight the ongoing tensions and debates around political discourse on college campuses, as students navigate balancing free expression with creating a welcoming environment for all. Baylor's response in managing the situation will be closely watched.

The details

Baylor's Turning Point USA chapter will host Donald Trump Jr. and border czar Tom Homan in Waco Hall, while across campus in the Cashion Academic Center, a coalition of student groups will host an 'All Are Neighbors' event featuring Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign and Paul Raushenbush of the Interfaith Alliance. The interfaith event will be followed by an outdoor prayer.

  • The events are scheduled for next Wednesday.

The players

Donald Trump Jr.

The son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak at the Turning Point USA event.

Tom Homan

The former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who is also scheduled to speak at the Turning Point USA event.

Kelley Robinson

The president of the Human Rights Campaign, who is scheduled to appear at the 'All Are Neighbors' interfaith event.

Paul Raushenbush

The CEO and president of Interfaith Alliance, who is scheduled to appear at the 'All Are Neighbors' interfaith event.

Peter Fernandez

The chapter president of Turning Point USA at Baylor University.

Joseph Naylor

A student organizer of the 'All Are Neighbors' interfaith event.

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What they’re saying

“I want the college Democrats to have as much freedom to share their mission and their message as we do. And I have no reason to say that they shouldn't be able to have an event too.”

— Peter Fernandez, Turning Point USA chapter president

“We need this event so that they know that they're welcomed here on campus, know that they're safe here on campus, know that there are people that are like them on campus, or that think like them on campus. So really just having that space for the people.”

— Joseph Naylor, Student organizer

What’s next

Baylor University has stated it is committed to open dialogue while maintaining a safe learning environment. The university's handling of the scheduling conflict and its impact on campus life will be closely watched in the coming days.

The takeaway

This situation at Baylor University highlights the ongoing challenges colleges face in balancing free speech, political discourse, and creating an inclusive campus community. The university's response will be a test of its commitment to upholding democratic values while fostering a welcoming environment for all students.