
By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
After the death of Charlie Kirk, a Fort Hays State University student is reviving a Turning Point USA Chapter to turn tragedy into dialogue.
"The initial inspiration was definitely what happened on the 10th," Tyler Preisser, president of FHSU Turning Point USA, said. "The biggest reason was that there were so many kids actually interested after what happened."
After Kirk’s assassination, Turning Point USA announced on its official X page that by Sept. 18, more than 62,000 high school and college students across the country had requested to start a chapter or join an existing one.
The FHSU chapter has about 45 members and is planning its next event for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Memorial Union. The event will feature an open-mic discussion, inviting students and community members to share and debate their viewpoints respectfully.
On Sept. 30, Turning Point and College Republicans hosted Former Gov. Jeff Colyer, who reflected on his career and outlined his plans for Kansas' future.
SEE RELATED STORY: Former Gov. Jeff Colyer shares vision for Kansas at FHSU
The club hopes to start a podcast, bring in more political speakers and have sessions in the quad to engage with others and answer questions.
"It's OK for us to disagree on things and still coexist and be friends. ... It's also to carry on Charlie's legacy and what he was trying to do," Preisser said.
Preisser said Turning Point had a presence at FHSU in the past but faded due to poor management. The group now has several officers and is collaborating with other organizations, including the FHSU Young Democrats, to encourage open discussions.
"We don't just want to have a big meeting with a bunch of people who agree with us. That's not the point," Preisser said. "The point is to share differing opinions, perspectives, beliefs on life and also be able to humanize each other."
Preisser said the surge of interest led him to partner with the FHSU College Republicans to officially register the group, aiming to involve younger students to keep the organization active for years to come. This is Preisser’s final year at the university.
"I have always been involved in the conservative movement, as well as being a Christian. I've watched Charlie Kirk since I was a freshman in high school," he said.
You can follow FHSU Turning Point on Facebook.