Letter to the Editor: The influence of external political organizations in higher-ed student elections
Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.
Dylan Demonte is a senior studying Political Science Pre-law and Economics. Demonte is Academic Affairs Commissioner on Student Senate.
To the Editor,
Around this time last year, I wrote to you about supporting effective student advocacy and the optimistic stance I held for the future of Ohio University student representation. Unfortunately, today I write to you about my growing concern for the future of effective advocacy: the influence of external political organizations in higher-ed student elections, specifically regarding the Campus Victory Project (CVP), a former subsidiary of the controversial Turning Point USA (TPUSA). This organization, known for its ultra-conservative stance, once aimed to "take back our universities" by providing substantial financial support and resources to conservative students running for student government positions. Such support enables these candidates to outspend their peers significantly, utilizing resources that would otherwise be inaccessible to the vast majority of students.
The possibility of external partisan funding in our student elections is deeply troubling. It threatens to corrupt the reserved intentions of student leaders, pushing them towards agendas that do not align with the real, everyday concerns of Ohio University students. The introduction of "dark money" into our campus politics—especially campaign donations that are not disclosed publicly—raises questions about the transparency and integrity of our student government. The hidden financial backing often comes with strings attached, expecting candidates to fulfill agendas that may not truly represent the best interests of the student body or the professed values of the candidate themselves.
Many will argue that students will vote how they please, regardless of a candidate's financial supporters and outside resources; their votes might not even change when the funding becomes public. However, this sentiment overlooks the fundamental issue of honesty and integrity in our student elections and the importance of authentic student advocacy. It is fundamentally wrong for candidates, propped up by organizations like CVP and TPUSA (organizations which have no genuine stake or understanding of our campus life), to misrepresent themselves as independent or non-partisan.
Evidence of CVP's internal strategies and disregard for genuine student advocacy can be found in their early materials. The incentives offered by CVP to student candidates do not prioritize service to the campus community but rather focus on securing votes through financial influence and shifting student government to align more closely with conservative ideologies.
It is crucial for Ohio U students to consider the potential consequences of allowing organizations like CVP and TPUSA to exert control over our campus politics. I urge students to ask about the sources of campaign donations and any outside advice provided to student leaders. The answers to these questions may be unsettling but are necessary for ensuring the integrity of our student government.
For further insight into this issue at other campuses:
Student Government passes legislation banning TPUSA, likely to be blocked by administration