HAMPTON, Va. (HUNS) – As Hampton University’s homecoming week approaches, a politically active conservative group is preparing for an appearance on or near campus that has already generated debate and scrutiny across multiple HBCUs.
BLEXIT, co-founded by Candace Owens and Brandon Tatum, is hosting a tour titled “Educate to Liberate” that targets 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during their homecoming seasons.
The organization encourages people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds to “exit” the Democratic Party and embrace conservative values centered on individual responsibility, free markets, faith and education reform.
The group operates in partnership with Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, a national conservative youth organization known for its right-wing activism on college campuses.
BLEXIT has already visited campuses such as Jackson State University and Florida A&M University, with Hampton and Howard universities scheduled for stops on Oct. 24. The group’s arrival comes weeks after a contentious encounter at Tennessee State University, where a separate conservative outreach group appeared unannounced with signs reading “DEI Should Be Illegal” and “Deport All Illegals Now.”
University officials said the group had not received permission to hold an event and was escorted off campus by police. Videos of students protesting and removing signage quickly went viral, drawing national attention and criticism of the group’s tactics.
While BLEXIT was not directly involved in the TSU incident, the episode has led many HBCU administrators and student leaders to call for clear policies on outside political organizations hosting events during homecoming season.
At Hampton University, student and faculty reactions to BLEXIT’s visit ranged from curiosity to concern. “I’m all for people expressing their views, but I worry that this isn’t about conversation, it’s about putting out a very specific political agenda at a time when campus is supposed to be celebrating our community and culture,” said Ethan Adu of New Britain, Connecticut, a student leader and junior marketing major.
Robert Burroughs of New Haven, Connecticut, a junior business major, said: “I don’t think anyone should be silenced, but I hope the event is handled in a way that doesn’t create tension on campus. People here care about their homecoming traditions and want to celebrate without being pressured into a political discussion.”
As BLEXIT’s “Educate to Liberate Tour’ comes to Hampton, students are preparing for an event that is likely to spark lively discussion, and even controversy. While some see it as an opportunity to hear a different perspective, others worry about its timing and the potential impact on homecoming traditions.
The visit may challenge students to engage thoughtfully and maintain composure amid an event designed to provoke strong reactions.
Tyler Steinberg is a student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University. Steinberg wrote this article as part of a collaboration with HUNewsService.com.
