Baylor University is facing accusations of attempting to limit access to a Turning Point USA event scheduled for tonight. The organization claims the university is now denying entry to approximately 4,500 individuals from the Waco community who had previously secured tickets.

Turning Point USA Alleges Event Sabotage

Turning Point USA alleges that Baylor University is attempting to suppress their event featuring former Border Czar Tom Homan, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and conservative podcast host Benny Johnson. The event is part of the organization’s “This is the Turning Point Tour.”

Initial Approval and Subsequent Restrictions

Initially, Turning Point USA was led to believe the event would be open to both students and the wider Waco community. They reserved Waco Hall, a large auditorium, anticipating a full house. However, administrators recently informed them that non-students would be barred from attending.

A Turning Point USA representative expressed concern for the 4,500 individuals now unable to attend, while affirming their commitment to delivering a successful event for the students.

Further Allegations and Counter-Event

The organization also highlighted the irony of Baylor approving a counter-event designed to protest Turning Point USA. They also allege that university officials “trespassed” their staff members distributing promotional materials and prohibited live-streaming of the event.

Baylor University's Response

Baylor University Vice President for Student Life Sharra Hynes refuted these claims in a statement to Breitbart News. She stated that the university had always maintained the event was primarily for students, faculty, and staff, with a limited allowance of 125 invited guests.

Conflicting Communication

However, a communication sent by Turning Point USA to ticket holders explicitly stated that attendance was restricted to Baylor students only, citing “university-specific restrictions.” The organization emphasized that a significant portion of the student body had already reserved tickets.

Turning Point USA lamented the university’s decision to exclude the broader community, arguing that it disregarded the university’s importance to the city of Waco. The situation has sparked controversy and raised questions about free speech and event access on college campuses.

The event is still scheduled to proceed, focusing on the student body, but the controversy surrounding the university’s actions continues to escalate.