A quiet Pennsylvania college campus became the scene of a tense confrontation, captured on video by students. The incident involved the deliberate removal of flyers advertising a conservative speaker event, a recurring issue according to members of the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) chapter at Gettysburg College.
The YAF chapter had invited author and speaker Vince Ellison to campus on November 20th, and diligently posted advertisements to promote the event. However, days before Ellison’s arrival, students began systematically tearing down the flyers, a pattern the group claims happens with every event they host.
The video shows a YAF member quickly ascending a staircase after witnessing a student actively removing flyers from the wall. A direct confrontation ensues, the YAF member immediately questioning the student’s actions.
“You having fun?” the YAF member asks, met with a curt “Yeah” from the student. The questioning continues, highlighting the violation of college policy regarding posted materials. The student, visibly caught off guard, falls silent.
The YAF member doesn’t let up, pointing out the abundance of remaining flyers and subtly challenging the student to continue the act of removal. The student’s hesitation is palpable, and the YAF member ultimately escorts them from the building.
According to Tyler Seeman, Chairman of Gettysburg College YAF, the chapter faces consistent opposition due to being the only conservative organization on campus actively hosting lectures. He believes some students view their speakers and ideas as unwelcome or even dangerous.
Seeman expressed frustration with the college’s response, describing it as “apathetic.” While acknowledging a single email condemning the flyer removal, he noted that a direct request for administrative intervention against the perpetrators was denied.
College officials confirmed that removing properly posted flyers violates community standards and is subject to disciplinary action. They stated that such behavior would “highly unusual” not to be sanctioned, though specific student cases remain confidential.
Seeman extended an invitation to those who disagree with YAF’s views, urging them to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to censorship. He emphasized the value of open discussion and the importance of allowing diverse perspectives to be heard.
This incident isn’t isolated. Just last month, the YAF chapter at the University of Iowa experienced a similar act of aggression when a student allegedly flipped their display table. That student, Justin Calhoon, faced criminal charges including disorderly conduct and harassment.
Calhoon was later accused of a similar incident involving a Turning Point USA table, leading to a second arrest. These events paint a picture of escalating tensions and a growing pattern of targeted disruption on college campuses.
The core issue isn’t simply about paper flyers; it’s about the freedom to express ideas and the willingness to engage in respectful debate, even when those ideas are challenging or unpopular. The incidents raise questions about the climate of intellectual discourse on college campuses and the responsibility of institutions to protect free speech.
