The Young Americans for Freedom Board of Governors has named the University of Utah YAF the 2023/24 Chapter of the Year and Clemson University YAF the 2023/24 Rookie of the Year.
To recognize these chapter’s bold leadership in promoting conservatism on campus, YAF has awarded Utah YAF a $10,000 grant and Clemson YAF a $5,000 grant to bring conservative speakers to their campus this upcoming school year. The announcement was held at the 46th annual National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C.
Utah YAF
In only their second year on campus, Utah YAF has experienced everything the Left can throw at them.It started with a documentary screening highlighting de-transitioners’ stories, intended to promote their lecture event with Chloe Cole. In response, the campus Left protested the screening and the campus police shut the event down. Standing firm, Utah YAF rescheduled the event and successfully held the screening and their Chloe Cole lecture.
Just a week after the Left shut down their event, the Utah YAF organized a vigil for Israel on their campus featuring Congressman Burgess Owens and planted an Israeli flag for each of the hostages being held by Hamas terrorists.
In the spring, Utah YAF developed a Patriotism Week to run counter to the school’s Pride Week and featured events like “Forget about Plan B, What’s your Plan A?,” “a support group for those who grew up less than 5 miles away from a Slurpee machine because we want to include everyone,” and “Hey Ken, you matter too.” By the end of the year, Utah YAF had organized over 40 activism projects and events. The chapter also hosted Elisha Krauss on their campus for a lecture titled “Gaza Hates Gays and Gals.”
And to cap the year off, the chapter hosted Michael Knowles to a standing-room crowd, even as the school hung 40 pride flags in the foyer outside of the room but denied the chapter’s request to hang up American flags.
Throughout the year, The University of Utah administration and leftist students stacked the deck against them, but Utah YAF did not shrink from the challenge; instead, they thrived.
Upon being named Chapter of the Year, outgoing chapter chair Lucy Atwood said “We are incredibly honored to be named Chapter of the Year, and we want to thank YAF for their unwavering support. We hope our story inspires young conservatives that anything is possible if they put in the hard work to stand up for their values.”
Clemson YAF
Clemson YAF took their campus by storm in their first year on campus. In addition to hosting YAF’s national activism projects, including the 9/11 Never Forget Project, the Chapter organized a prayer night for Israel following the October 7th attacks. Clemson YAF also hosted Michael Knowles and Yeonmi Park on their campus.
Incoming chapter chair Kady Bedard stated that “Clemson YAF is thrilled to be named Rookie of the Year! This honor reflects the outstanding effort and dedication of our members, and we could not be more proud of what we have accomplished already and the momentum we have heading into this next school year.”
YAF congratulates Utah YAF and Clemson YAF for their success in advancing Conservative ideas on their campus, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them this upcoming school year!
More information on starting or joining a YAF chapter at your college or high school can be found here.
