EMMA PIRHALA / MANAGING EDITOR

Conservative influencer James Owen visited USD on March 10 and 12, prompting backlash from some students and support from others. Hosted by the USD College Republicans chapter, Owen sat at a table by the Paseo de Colachis from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and asked students to sit down and speak with him. Owen is the founder of Reawaken USA, a conservative organization. The event drew over 100 students who watched as Owen engaged in discussion about a variety of topics ranging from transgender rights to free speech. 

Students gathered around Owen in a semi-circle as he spoke. Emma Pirhala/The USD Vista

His  setup  included  five  cameras, speakers, a microphone and two tables with chairs. After speaking, USD administrators removed his microphone — explaining  that amplified noise is not permitted on USD campus. Signs reading “Christianity is better than transgenderism” and “Abortion is anti women” stood next to Owen’s table. After seeing the sign, USD senior Valentina Ortiz felt motivated to debate Owen about transgender rights. Following the discussion, Ortiz reflected on her experience. 

“I felt like the signs that were being put up were very inflammatory and meant to trigger people,” Ortiz stated. “And so I just wanted to have a conversation and break it down on a more granular level… But, I feel like we had a conversation that we actually kind of broke down what he was saying and I thought it was productive.”

The event is part of a broader partnership between the national College Republicans of America organization and Reawaken USA. Owen and other conservative speakers are traveling to campuses across the country to debate students. Martin Bertao, a UC Berkeley student and the national president of College Republicans, attended the event on March 10. Bertao elaborated on how the events have played out at other campuses. 

“San Diego has been a lot less violent than other schools, so I like to commend the student body for that,” Bertao said. “They were at [California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo] yesterday, and we had people tearing stuff down at Berkeley.”

Students demonstrated resistance during the event. A same-sex couple shared a kiss in front of Owen while he was debating. USD senior Chris Na interrupted the event by encouraging bystanders to sing “Firework” by Katy Perry.

“If     you    like     gay    people   or   you’re woke,      sing  along,” Na shouted. 

After a brief singalong, Na stepped away from the table and attempted to take the “Christianity is better than transgenderism” and “Abortion is anti women” sign. However, Bertao interjected and tried to physically remove the sign from Na. Following the interaction, Na was  approached by a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer, who asked for his student ID number and asked him not to disrupt the event. The officer did not approach Bertao. 

“The concept of not trying to engage with me, but choosing to allow people to engage with [Owen], it just feels very backwards and very hypocritical,” Na said.

DPS officers were in attendance throughout the event to monitor the crowds. The event followed all proper guidelines and received approval from Student Affairs. A public affairs representative on behalf of the University commented about the event. 

“The event was sponsored by a registered student organization, not the University administration,” the representative explained. “Under our Guest Speaker Policy 2.6.3., student groups may invite speakers of their choosing, provided they follow university protocols to ensure the safety of all involved. The views expressed by speakers are their own and do not reflect the mission, vision or values of the University of San Diego.”

USD College Republicans has attempted to bring a speaker to campus before. In Spring 2023, College Republicans requested $21,000 in Associated Student Government (ASG) funding to host right-wing commentator Matt Walsh. ASG members rejected the request because they stated Walsh didn’t align with the University’s values. Current ASG President Lily Giovanelli confirmed in an interview with The USD Vista that ASG had no involvement with Owen’s appearance, since the College Republicans did not request funding for his visit. 

USD College Republicans President and USDTv contributor Gabriella   Macias  explained  why  the organization   decided    to    host    Owen. 

“I just want people to be able to have discourse and debate,” Macias said. “You don’t have to agree with what I believe in, but as long as there’s a way we can talk about it and debate. There’s not any discourse or any type of peaceful discussion anymore.”

Macias referenced the recent “March for Human Dignity” that occurred on USD’s campus on Feb. 11, in her reasoning for the conservative speaker’s appearance. The protest, led by the USD National Lawyers Guild and USD’s Immigration Law Society, spoke out against the recent actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“There was a protest on [ICE] that happened on campus,” Macias explained. “There’s more pushback against speakers that are controversial and leaning right on campus,  and   I  don’t    think   that’s fair. I   think  we should be   able  to  have both sides as long as it’s  peaceful.”

Students echoed similar sentiments as Macias, sharing that they believe civil discourse and discussion is important. USD first-year Kylie Walton explained her view of the situation.

“I do not support what are inherently his views,” Walton disclosed. “I think it could be good … for these students to be able to voice their opinion and be able to debate these topics, but I do think this type of setup and this whole environment is not good.”

The USD Vista contacted James Owen to schedule an interview four times. However, Owen did not respond to requests to schedule an interview. Following the event, students are continuing to discuss the impacts of the debate. 

Right-wing speaker James Owen speaks to students who approach him with a crowd watching nearby. Lara Dominique Solante/The USD Vista