Update, 4:15 p.m.:

Penn State spokesperson Lisa Powers provided a statement to Onward State about Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA’s event.

“This speaker has been invited by a recognized student organization. Student organizations can, without the University’s consent or endorsement, invite speakers to campus as a constitutional right.”

Original Story:

This speaker has been invited by a recognized student organization. Student organizations can, without the University’s consent or endorsement, invite speakers to campus as a constitutional right.

Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA are returning to Penn State on Thursday, September 19, with their “You’re Being Brainwashed Tour.”

Kirk is a controversial political figure who started Turning Point USA to advocate for conservative politics on high school and college campuses. Kirk has been on Penn State’s campus before, including in 2019 alongside Donald Trump Jr. for an on-campus lecture.

According to a release on the Turning Point USA website, the tour is “designed to empower and educate college students with the principles and tools they need to challenge left-wing indoctrination on college campuses.” Kirk will appear at the event with “special guests.”

“The tour will feature TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk alongside special guests,” the release read. “Together, they will address thousands of students, sharing their perspectives on free speech, the role of government, and the importance of preserving conservative values in higher education.”

The release also said that the event will let students have “thought-provoking discussions, ask questions, and connect with like-minded peers committed to defending conservative principles.”

Penn State is one of five schools the tour announced it would hit in the coming weeks. Turning Point USA will also make appearances at Wisconsin, Colorado, North Texas, Kansas State, and Pitt.

A time and location for the event have yet to be announced. Folks interested in purchasing tickets to the event can find them here.

Penn State did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the event from Onward State.