The Young Americans for Freedom chapter at Kansas State University is working to revamp the university’s student activity funding process after discovering that “diversity, equity, and inclusion” programming is allocated $137,000, while general student programming only has $39,000 to work with throughout the entire school year.
Last semester, the YAF chapter tested the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Board’s commitment to diversity of thought by applying for funds to host Daniel Di Martino, a freedom fighter originally from Venezuela who speaks out against the evils of socialism. Unsurprisingly, the leftist powers that be were not thrilled about the proposal, and denied the request in full.
“For Kansas State University the only ‘cross-cultural’ experiences that should be promoted are those that support twisted ideologies like socialism. But when I, as someone who was actually born in and lived in another country, comes to talk about my terrible experience living under socialism, that supposedly doesn’t count,” Di Martino told the New Guard after learning of last semester’s rejection.
After being turned away by the DEI Board, the chapter sought $5,200 from the Student Allocations Board, which controls the disbursement of funds collected through mandatory student activity fees that are billed to all students. That request was mostly rejected – the YAF chapter was only offered $200, with the board citing budget constraints.
Despite the many challenges they’ve faced so far, the YAFers are still working to bring Di Martino to campus. K-State YAF Chairman Thomas Adcock sent a letter to the president of the university with a very simple proposal: instead of allocating $137,000 to a board that’s solely committed to promoting leftist values, the university could easily address the tight student programming budget by merging the two together.
“If this problem continues, it will limit the number of student organizations trying to have their voices heard on campus. As the leader of the Young Americans for Freedom chapter, I can testify that we are the only conservative voice on campus and that our voice is just as important as everyone else’s. If we are going to have school funding that organizations can use to help spread their voices, then we should not restrict what can be said, for true diversity is the diversity of thought,” Adcock wrote in his letter.
The YAF chapter has requested a meeting with the university president. Young America’s Foundation stands ready to support these bold students on the legal front should it become necessary.
