Vivek Ramaswamy speaks to packed house at Penn State, ignites debate on free speech

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A politically charged evening unfolded at Penn State as Vivek Ramaswamy, a rising political figure and entrepreneur, took the stage for Turning Point USA's "You're Being Brainwashed Tour."

The Thursday night event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 350 attendees, who filled every seat in the 121 Sparks auditorium, with more spectators seated between the rows. The building's limited capacity kept many eager attendees outside, unable to gain entry.

The event aimed to spark dialogue about the state of free speech on college campuses, along with other political topics. Ramaswamy began his speech by sharing his personal background, highlighting his experiences in the private sector and as a first-generation American.

He then discussed issues surrounding the culture of college campuses, arguing that ideological conformity often stifles open debate.

“Hardship is something that happens to you, but victimhood is a choice," Ramaswamy said. “When we wake up on the other side of that, we have a chance to turn the page and say, all right. We had our turn being censored, being on the victim side of this new oppression, but we're not going to wallow in our oppression. We're going to emerge victorious and lead the entire country, as one nation—I don’t care, black or white, left or right—as the United States of America.”

He addressed hot-button topics like censorship by social media platforms, government overreach, and the role of universities in shaping young minds.

Ramaswamy advocated for environments where individuals can express divergent views without fear of backlash, where society not only accepts conflicting opinions but also encourages them.

Audience Engagement

During the Q&A session, attendees posed questions directly to Ramaswamy. Michael Carney, a future Penn State student and member of the Air Force National Guard, secured the microphone and asked about the need for government transparency and how to achieve it, seeking insights from Ramaswamy's political perspective.

Afterward, Carney reflected on the exchange, saying, “He talked a lot about why the government should be more open to the public, which I very much agree with. However, he missed a little bit on the ‘how it would be done’ aspect.”

Despite this, Carney found Ramaswamy's answer “pretty satisfactory,” considering the breadth of questions during the session.

Turning Point USA’s Broader Initiative

Turning Point USA organized the Penn State event as part of its broader effort to generate discourse on college campuses across the country. The organization has hosted a series of talks under the "You're Being Brainwashed Tour," aiming to challenge what it perceives as a one-sided ideological environment in higher education.

The large turnout at Penn State shows that the tour has tapped into a growing demand for discussions on free speech and ideological diversity.

However, the event also exposed limitations, as the auditorium's restricted seating left many disappointed and unable to attend.

Despite the logistical challenges, the night's discussions contributed to the ongoing debate over how to handle free speech within academic settings, especially as the 2024 election approaches.

As the tour continues, these conversations will likely shape the cultural and political landscape. For Ramaswamy and his supporters, the message is clear: the battle for free speech goes beyond politics—it’s a cultural one as well.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.