Libertas (Issue 44.3 - Winter 2024) by Young America's Foundation

WINTER 2024

Inside: YAF Student Activists Promote Freedom on Campuses Nationwide

VOL. 44 • NO. 3

January 15, 2024 Dear Friends,

he next election is extremely important for the future of our country. What we do to educate the next generation is even more important. A recent nationwide poll found that only 23 percent of college students have a positive view of capitalism. Only half associate capitalism with the free market. These findings suggest that young people really do not know the truth about free market capitalism. A silver lining is that we have the opportunity to inform them before it is too late. Another poll found that nearly one in five voters ages 18-29 have a relatively positive view of Osama bin Laden. Three in ten of those surveyed believe that the 9/11 mastermind’s views were a “force for good.” According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 13 percent of middle school students are proficient in U.S. history, with 40 percent scoring below a basic level of proficiency—an increase from 34 percent in 2018. Similarly, only 22 percent are proficient in civics. How could we have gotten to this point? Too many students are not being taught American history and civics—or basic economics. The need to educate the next generation is real. So are the opportunities. Take, for instance, one of YAF’s first campus lectures of this school year, delivered by Dr. Ben Carson at Roanoke College in Virginia. Not long after his visit, members of the school’s women’s swim team refused to compete if they were forced to allow a transgender swimmer onto their team. It took incredible courage for these young women to stand up to the administration. As I read the news coverage, a quote from the mother of one of the swimmers stood out. Cady Mullens stated, “The girls came together because this is bigger than just this one incident. They want to protect their sisters, their future daughters, and the next generation to come.” She went on to say, “I know Lily, my daughter, was very inspired by Ben Carson, who was just at their campus… he spoke that it takes courage to make change, and she took that to heart.” A message about courage, given at just the right time, can ignite a spark in a young person. This story of a collegiate swimmer who was inspired to act by a YAF lecture should give all of us hope. This edition of Libertas highlights a host of reasons—from YAF’s student activists who are courageously promoting conservative ideas to our impactful programs that are training the next generation of freedom fighters— why we should be optimistic. Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your support.

Keep fighting for freedom,

Governor Scott Walker President

L I B E RTAS Winter 2024

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Volume 44

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Young Americans for Freedom Campus Activists on the Front Lines By Charlie Jones, Program Officer for YAF Chapter Services

13 National Journalism Center Awards Inaugural Dao Prize for Excellence in Investigative Journalism By Emily Jashinsky, Director, National Journalism Center; Culture Editor, The Federalist

17 Paula Scanlan and Enes Kanter Freedom Headline High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch By Madison Habersetzer, Conference Director

23 Free Speech on College Campuses: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee By Jasmyn Jordan, Iowa YAF Chairwoman; Connor Ogrydziak, former University at Buffalo YAF Chairman

28 From Venezuela’s Socialist Disaster to America’s Empire of Liberty By Daniel Di Martino, Founder, Dissident Project

On the Cover:

Also in This Issue:

As the leading conservative youth organization, Young America’s Foundation educates and trains the next generation of freedom fighters. Pictured (in clockwise order) are some of these inspiring freedom fighters: University of WisconsinMadison YAF Chairman Harrison Wells, Iowa YAF Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan, former University at Buffalo YAF Chairman Connor Ogrydziak, and Vanderbilt University YAF Chairman Noah Jenkins.

YAF Activists Nationwide Organize 9/11: Never Forget Project

Distinguished Faculty Teach Free Market Principles at YAF’s Road to Freedom Seminar

YAF’s Foreign Policy and Economics Programs Train Young Conservatives on Capitol Hill

Student Activists Organize Pro-Israel Campaign

YAF’s Middle School Expedition Introduces Students to Core American Values

VOL. 44 • NO. 3

WINTER 2024

Activists Promote Inside: YAF Student Nationwide ses Freedom on Campu

16 Sponsor an Acre at Rancho del Cielo 21 Establish Your Legacy with Young America’s Foundation 22 Host a Conservative Speaker on Your Campus 31 Join YAF’s President, Governor Scott Walker, and Tonette

Walker on 2024 Mediterranean Cruise Libertas, the Latin word for liberty, is a publication of Young America’s Foundation which highlights the programs, events, students, alumni, supporters, and staff of the Foundation. You may contact Libertas and Young America’s Foundation by writing to: Young America’s Foundation, National Headquarters, 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Sixth Floor, Reston, Virginia 20191; calling 800-USA-1776; or visiting yaf.org. Editor: Raj Kannappan; Publisher: Governor Scott Walker; Publication Design: Jonathan Briggs; Assistant Editors: Kelleigh Clarke, Patrick X. Coyle, Madison Habersetzer, Clare Hinshaw, Jessica Jensen, Charlie Jones, Breana Marsh, Michael Mastrianna, and Chris Miranda; Washington, D.C., event photographers: David Keith and Bob Updegrove; California event photographers: Zach Mendez and Jacqueline Pilar; Illinois event photographer: Alex Rodriquez. This document and all herein contents, images, stories, graphics, and design, fall unto copyright © 2005 to 2024 Young America’s Foundation, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Any use of Libertas content without the written permission of Young America’s Foundation is prohibited.

Young America’s Foundation Board Of Directors Governor Scott Walker President Ronald Pearson Vice President Frank Donatelli Secretary and Treasurer Kimberly Begg T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Wynton C. Hall Nicole Hoplin Kate Obenshain Keeler Peter Schweizer Thomas L. Phillips Director Emeritus

Reagan Ranch Board Of Governors Frank Donatelli Chairman Edwin Meese Co-Chairman Robert F. Agostinelli Governor George Allen Candee Arndt Dr. Suzanne Becker Lisa M. Buestrin George & Becky Norton Dunlop Bruce & Kathi Eberle Richard Gaby & Barbara Van Andel-Gaby Robert Giuffra, Jr. Timothy S. Goeglein Michael W. Grebe Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold Eric & Nicole Hoplin Ann Knapheide Mark Larson Rebekah Mercer Dennis & Nancy Moore Doug & Pat Perry Thomas L. Phillips Rear Admiral JJ Quinn Ruppert & Cheryl Reinstadler Richard & Jane Schwartz Bernadette Casey Smith Tonette Walker Jay Webber

National Journalism Center Board Of Governors T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Chairman Chris Bedford Sarah Bedford Elizabeth Donatelli John Gizzi Emily Jashinsky Rich Lowry Alex Marlow The Honorable Alex Mooney Larry O’Connor Gabby Orr Katie Pavlich Ronald Pearson Thomas L. Phillips Chairman Emeritus Tom Winter Emeritus

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YAF Activists Nationwide Organize 9/11: Never Forget Project Twenty-two years after the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Young America’s Foundation’s student activists at hundreds of campuses—from the University of Florida to the University of California, Los Angeles— and in communities nationwide marked this important anniversary by organizing YAF’s annual 9/11: Never Forget Project. Since the Foundation launched this initiative in 2003, thousands of colleges, schools, and communities have organized Never Forget memorials, resulting in more than 14 million American flags displayed in remembrance of the individuals murdered by radical Islamists on 9/11. This initiative has grown into the largest nationwide student activism project and a patriotic tradition from coast to coast. The iconic Never Forget displays, each composed of 2,977 flags—one for each innocent life taken—bring communities together to pay tribute and keep America’s promise to “never forget.” The 2023 anniversary marked the first year that nearly all traditional undergraduate students were born after 9/11, underscoring the need for continued education about the tragic events. In virtually all cases, the Never Forget memorials are created by students, not by administrators or faculty members. Indeed, if not for the work of patriotic students, most educational institutions would ignore this anniversary. Sadly, it has become commonplace for school administrators, educators, and radical leftists to restrict students’ ability to organize this project. The year 2023 was no exception. For example, University at Buffalo YAF Chairman Justin Hill was spat on by a fellow student while setting up his campus display. “I’m allowed to spit on fascists,” the angry student told Hill. Furthermore, administrators at California State University, Los Angeles, attempted to prevent YAF students from organizing the Never Forget display by imposing an unreasonable timeline for acquiring a permit, but the bold activists persisted. In addition to the hundreds of campus displays across the country, YAF staff, students, alumni, supporters, and community volunteers organized memorials on the lawn of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.; at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois; and near the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, California. 4

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The front lawn of the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois, features YAF’s 9/11: Never Forget display.

Gettysburg College YAF students commemorate the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 on their campus.

Young America’s Foundation’s flag memorial in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., honors the victims of 9/11.

Saint Louis University conservative student leader Alexandra Leung leads her club in planting 2,977 American flags.

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Distinguished Faculty Teach Free Market Principles at YAF’s Road to Freedom Seminar Young America’s Foundation first established the annual Road to Freedom Seminar to educate college students about the ideas championed by leading economic thinkers— including Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, and others—who influenced President Ronald Reagan. The program was inspired by Hayek’s influential book, The Road to Serfdom, which launched a global debate about the relationship between political and economic freedom. The 2023 Road to Freedom Seminar—hosted by YAF’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise at the Foundation’s national headquarters in Reston, Virginia—drew motivated students representing 21 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 36 colleges and universities. Featuring a first-class faculty of economists, business leaders, and policy experts, the seminar provided students with a philosophical grounding in the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurship and equipped them with resources to effectively persuade their peers on campus and beyond. Among others, this year’s agenda featured the following sessions:

• “ESG and the Case for Capitalism” with Andy Puzder, former CEO of CKE Restaurants • “The Facts and Myths of Income Inequality in America” with Dr. Arthur Laffer, economist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient • “Quenching the Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Left’s Threats to Worker Freedom” with Patrice Onwuka, director of the Independent Women’s Forum’s Center for Economic Opportunity

In her YAF debut, Patrice Onwuka educates students about the Left’s attacks on freelance and contract workers.

• “Fear vs. Growth: The Economic Stakes of Reagan’s Conflict of Visions” with Brian Brenberg, co-host of Fox Business Network’s The Big Money Show • “Superabundance: Why We Will Never Run Out of Resources” with Marian Tupy, senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity • “Shining a Light on the Darkest Place in the World” with Yeonmi Park, North Korean defector and human rights activist In addition to student attendees, YAF supporters participated in the seminar’s opening dinner banquet, which featured Dr. Laffer. In his remarks, the trusted economic advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, as well as countless other leaders, presented a compelling case for the important role of inequality in a truly free society, noting, The dream of America has never been to pull one man down to make another man better off. It has never been to make the rich poorer. It has always been to make the poor richer. YAF is grateful to the anonymous sponsors of this seminar who believe America’s conservative and patriotic youth are the greatest hope for the country.

College students from 21 states and the District of Columbia attend the 2023 Road to Freedom Seminar at Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters outside of the nation’s capital. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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YAF’s Foreign Policy and Economics Programs Train Young Conservatives on Capitol Hill Young America’s Foundation’s William & Berniece Grewcock Capitol Hill Townhouse, acquired in 2018, is the home of YAF’s work to advance conservative ideas in Washington, D.C. The 3,600 square-foot facility—just steps from U.S. Capitol and congressional office buildings— provides an ideal meeting location for YAF students, alumni, supporters, and allies in Congress to gather for intimate dinners, receptions, and lectures. The centrally-located facility allows YAF to work with hundreds of conservative leaders in the mission to inspire young people with the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values. To further this effort, YAF recently launched the Peace Through Strength Lecture Series, a bi-weekly program to educate college students—particularly those interning in the nation’s capital—on critical foreign policy and national security affairs. This unique program is generously sponsored by the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, a longstanding leader in funding initiatives to keep America safe and strong. Faculty members for this series include Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs, Vandenberg Coalition Executive Director Carrie Filipetti, Washington Institute

Congressional staffers participate in a session of YAF’s Free Markets, Free People Fellowship that features Heritage Foundation Research Fellow Anthony Kim.

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The Hudson Institute’s Rebeccah Heinrichs speaks to young conservatives during YAF’s Peace Through Strength Lecture Series.

for Near East Policy Managing Director Michael Singh, Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04), and Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation President Andrew Bremberg, among others. YAF concurrently launched the Free Markets, Free People Fellowship to train young professionals working on Capitol Hill and in nearby public policy organizations with a philosophical grounding in free enterprise and free market policymaking. After being selected through an application process, participants in this fellowship meet with leading policy experts, including economic historian and Laffer Center Richard S. Strong Scholar Dr. Brian Domitrovic, Heritage Foundation Research Fellow in Economic Freedom Anthony Kim, YAF alumnus and RealClearMarkets Editor John Tamny, Venezuelan freedom activist Daniel Di Martino, OpenTheBooks.com CEO and Founder Adam Andrzejewski, and Independent Women’s Forum Economic Policy Director Patrice Onwuka. Both of these new programs fill a critical education gap for young conservatives—especially those aspiring to future leadership roles—in the nation’s capital. Participants have the opportunity to engage in deep and productive discussions on a range of important topics, including America’s proper role on the world stage, the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, Reaganomics, U.S. immigration policy, and the future of global economic freedom, among others. ————————————————————————— To learn more about Young America’s Foundation’s work in Washington, D.C., please contact Capitol Hill Outreach Director Gabrielle Dankanich at 800-USA-1776 or gdankanich@yaf.org.

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Student Activists Organize Pro-Israel Campaign Following Hamas’ terrorist attacks on October 7 against innocent Israelis and citizens of dozens of other countries, America has seen a dramatic increase in antisemitism and pro-Hamas demonstrations—especially on college campuses and in schools. As Governor Scott Walker, YAF’s president, noted recently in the Washington Times, The horrific attacks by Hamas against innocent people in Israel have exposed disturbing antisemitism espoused by radicals on campuses across the country…Years of liberal indoctrination on a wide variety of issues—including significant boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel and support for Palestinian efforts—are most certainly behind these dangerous views. In response, Young America’s Foundation’s student activists have mobilized nationwide to support Israel and the Jewish people, particularly Jewish students. Through YAF’s “Stand with Israel” campaign, student leaders have organized Israeli flag displays honoring the victims of Hamas, launched public media campaigns to expose university presidents for their failed leadership on this issue, and hosted sold-out pro-Israel campus lectures, among other efforts. For instance, in the weeks following the attacks, the Foundation hosted the Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro at the University of Florida and University of Wisconsin-Madison for

campus lectures to more than 2,000 students and community members. Millions of online viewers on YAF’s YouTube channel (YouTube.com/YAFTV) have since watched Shapiro’s timely and unapologetic defenses of Western values in the face of radical Islamic terrorism. Additional pro-Israel YAF speakers include former NBA star and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom; national security experts K.T. McFarland, Robert Spencer, Michael Singh, and Jonathan Schanzer; and commentators Ian Haworth, Michael Knowles, and Elisha Krauss. University of Tampa YAF Chairwoman Nicole Gillis, who recently organized YAF’s Israeli flag display and hosted Haworth for a campus speech titled “Pro-Hamas is ProGenocide,” remarked, I want to emphasize how excited and grateful the members of Hillel and Chabad were for both our speaker and flag events. I know they were quite surprised to find that support on campus, and it meant a lot to them. Young America’s Foundation is proud to educate and train student activists with the accurate, in-depth resources they need to champion Israel’s cause and challenge the misleading narratives propagated by radical leftist activists. ————————————————————————— To participate in Young America’s Foundation’s pro-Israel activism initiatives, please visit YAF.org/Israel.

University of Wisconsin-Madison YAF hosts Ben Shapiro for a campus lecture—the largest conservative event in campus history—in defense of Western values. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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YAF’s Middle School Expedition Introduces Students to Core American Values As part of a comprehensive effort to reach students at earlier ages with America’s founding values, Young America’s Foundation hosted the inaugural Middle School Expedition at the Reagan Ranch. In recent years, many radical activists, government bureaucrats, and media organizations have expanded their efforts to indoctrinate students at younger ages. These developments, along with demand from concerned parents and grandparents, led to the Foundation’s latest milestone— launching YAF’s middle school programs in 2022. Most recently, the 2023 Middle School Expedition, held in conjunction with YAF’s October High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch (see page 17), introduced students in grades six to eight to the values of patriotism and free enterprise. Students representing 31 middle schools gathered for this unique retreat in Santa Barbara, California, with more than 80 percent of them attending their first-ever YAF conference— demonstrating a growing interest in YAF’s programs for this age group. The program featured an interactive classroom agenda led by Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Michael Clark and educator and Exodus Institute CoFounder Kali Fontanilla. During these sessions, students

Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Michael Clark teaches foundational economic principles to middle school students through entertaining games and stories.

participated in games and simulations to learn the importance of property rights in a free society, as well as the lessons of Ronald Reagan’s Presidency in leading America to victory in the Cold War. Additionally, students and parents attended an optional dinner banquet featuring Venezuelan freedom activist Daniel Di Martino (see page 28), who shared his first-hand account of how socialism destroyed his home country—a powerful, personal testimony suitable for middle schoolers. A highlight of the weekend was an exclusive tour of Rancho del Cielo, where students absorbed stories about President Reagan’s character and gained an appreciation for his work ethic through Jeep tours along his favorite trails and vistas. Student and parent feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one parent remarking, YAF, in general, has been of huge benefit to my family and my students. I am so thankful for a space for them to learn such vital lessons from such interesting speakers…It is invaluable. Middle school is a pivotal time of learning and exploration for young people. Through this new Middle School Expedition, YAF aims to transform the study of America’s core values into a memorable adventure for younger students. ———————————— To learn more about Young America’s Foundation’s middle school programs, please contact Middle School Program Director Tawny Kilpper at tawnyk@reaganranch.org or 888-USA-1776.

Students from 31 middle schools visit the Reagan Ranch during YAF’s inaugural Middle School Expedition in Santa Barbara, California.

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Young Americans for Freedom Campus Activists on the Front Lines By Charlie Jones, Program Officer for YAF Chapter Services

Young Americans for Freedom Young America’s Foundation’s chapter affiliate, Young Americans for Freedom, provides young conservatives with unmatched resources, training, and activism initiatives to advance freedom on their campuses nationwide. President Ronald Reagan, who served on YAF’s National Advisory Board, underscored the importance of young conservatives—particularly YAF activists—standing strong for their beliefs. He remarked, “Remember your very title: you are Young Americans for Freedom. That is your mission above all others. You are most

important in this particular moment of history, because so many of your peers have listened to false prophets and demagogues.” Today, YAF chapter leaders are actively promoting freedom on hundreds of campuses and beyond. Ronald Reagan would be proud of these students, and we are pleased to feature some of these inspiring young Americans in the following pages. To get involved with Young Americans for Freedom, please visit YAF.org/Chapters or contact Program Officer for YAF Chapter Services Charlie Jones at cjones@yaf.org or 800-USA-1776.

Harrison Wells University of Wisconsin-Madison YAF Chairman How did you get involved with YAF? Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I disagreed with much of what was being taught in my high school and what many of my peers believed. When Young Americans for Freedom was established at my school, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to join a club of like-minded students discussing conservative values. I also began reading many conservative authors, including Russell Kirk, who had the greatest impact on my beliefs. When I arrived at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I knew I wanted to continue my involvement with YAF. As a freshman on a very liberal campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a refuge and sense of normalcy in YAF. Between university administrators implementing absurd COVID-related policies and leftist students constantly

Harrison Wells Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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“Being a conservative on campus means being a happy warrior who will always act respectfully and with grace despite the many intolerant actions of the Left.”

character. Many leftists think conservatives are bad people with bad ideas, while we believe that leftists are simply people with bad ideas with which we disagree. As conservative activists on campus, we are held to a different standard than others promoting their beliefs. Being a conservative on campus means being a happy warrior who will always act respectfully and with grace despite the many intolerant actions of the Left.

— Harrison Wells University of Wisconsin-Madison YAF Chairman

What have you learned from being involved with YAF? I have learned perseverance, dedication, leadership, and how to stand for what is right. YAF is an incredible organization that encourages young conservatives to find their voice on liberal campuses and fight for what they believe in. I have learned that the Conservative Movement is alive and well, even at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and it is our job to give a voice to those who feel silenced.

protesting, I wanted to be a voice for conservatives. As I learned more about YAF, I was excited to take on leadership roles and eventually became my chapter’s chairman. How did the campus react to your YAF chapter’s lectures featuring commentators Matt Walsh and Ben Shapiro? Our event with Matt Walsh in 2022 was the most successful conservative speaker event that had ever taken place on campus up to that point. More than 700 attendees showed up to a 400-seat venue to hear his speech, “What is a Woman?” We also grew our chapter membership by nearly 150 percent following the event. However, many on our campus reacted immaturely and hatefully towards their fellow students. On the day of our event, we woke up to witness our Memorial Union— dedicated to veterans and those killed in battle—covered in spray-painted phrases such as “F*ck YAF,” “YAF are Nazis,” and “F*ck Matt Walsh.” Despite this incident causing $30,000 in damages, the school never held those responsible accountable. A large protest was also held outside our event to intimidate our guests and club members. Additionally, a school employee faced no repercussions from the university after admitting to tearing down our event posters. Our event featuring Ben Shapiro this fall was similar. Despite our flyers being torn down by university employees and students alike, protests taking place, and campus socialists stating that YAF “should not feel safe on campus,” Shapiro’s lecture drew more than 1,000 attendees. We must be doing something right in promoting conservative ideals on campus if leftists go to such extremes to try to stop us. What is the most challenging aspect of being a conservative activist on campus? The biggest challenge is dealing with people who are unable to dissociate our philosophical beliefs from our 10

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Jasmyn Jordan Iowa YAF Chairwoman Your YAF chapter recently won the 2023 YAF Chapter of the Year award. How did you achieve this? We were honored and grateful to receive this award from YAF. Our accomplishment was the result of dedication from our entire club. While other conservative organizations often shy away from the challenges posed by the Left, our organization welcomes them with open arms.

“YAF brings your aspirations to fruition, and you can achieve your wildest dreams as long as you persevere and persist.” — Jasmyn Jordan Iowa YAF Chairwoman

We have maintained a high level of activity by consistently posting on social media and regularly communicating with our members through weekly emails, GroupMe, and other platforms. We have also established a strong physical presence on campus and in Iowa City by tabling, flyering, and chalking frequently.

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Jasmyn Jordan

Our campus activism initiatives have included the 9/11: Never Forget Project (see page four), a pro-Israel flag display, and speaker events featuring Lt. Col. Allen West, Matt Walsh, Chloe Cole, and Yeonmi Park, among others. We maintain close contact with legislators in Iowa, ensuring that our perspectives are heard and considered. Finally, we have built a strong relationship with Young America’s Foundation’s national staff, who help us be more effective. What challenges have you faced on campus? There is not fair or equal freedom of speech on campus. Conservative organizations do not get the same respect or resources as left-leaning organizations. For example, at our recent campus lecture on radical transgender ideology featuring Chloe Cole, protestors barricaded the building so guests could not enter or exit. The finance chair of the Undergraduate Student Government leaked our plans for another speaking event to Antifa —before the event was even approved by the university—and the president of the Young Democratic Socialists posed as a member of our YAF chapter for an entire year while leaking our information to fellow leftists. Our posters are regularly vandalized and shredded, and our chalk advertisements are washed away. We have received death threats, and our members and I have lost friends for being involved in YAF.

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Your chapter hosted a “Detransitioners Day of Visibility.” What was this activism initiative, and why did you organize it? When we hosted our speaking event featuring Matt Walsh, we wanted our campus to discuss the topic of transgenderism from as many perspectives as possible. By watching Walsh’s documentary—What is a Woman?— one of the most powerful lessons we learned was how many individuals regret their gender transitions. Yet, the detransitioner community seems invisible on campus, online, and nationwide because they are overshadowed by radical leftists. So, we wanted to ensure that they were seen and heard. We discovered through campus flyers and social media posts that there was going to be a “Trans Day of Revenge” on campus. In response, we created a trifold display that highlighted the stories of four detransitioners, including Chloe Cole, and advertised our upcoming event with Walsh. Protestors and passers-by screamed and cursed at us. One student even visited our table, opened up his backpack, and dumped the contents—which included crumpled up Matt Walsh event posters, underwear, and a trash bag that read, “Clean this mess up”—on the table. Why should a student get involved with YAF? Students should join YAF because it is the only organization that will actually teach you how to become a conservative activist. YAF brings your aspirations to fruition, and you can achieve your wildest dreams as long as you persevere and persist.

Noah Jenkins Vanderbilt University YAF Chairman How did you learn about YAF? I learned about YAF when I became interested in public policy and was trying to sort out my own philosophical views. I grew up in what I now know is a liberal culture, with MSNBC always on in the house, so I wanted to understand why conservatives were perceived negatively. I came across online videos of Ben Shapiro giving speeches at different campuses for an organization called “YAF.” That was my first exposure. The more complete story of how I became firmly conservative begins with my parents. How we are raised is very important and, in many ways, defines our disposition. Being raised in a Christian household with no-nonsense Jamaican parents gave me a mindset inherently inclined toward conservatism without my even knowing it. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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to do was have monthly themes that would guide our tabling activities and other events during the semester. For example, in November, we focused on promoting the ideas of faith and freedom. While everyone is free to practice their religion in America, we wanted to convey that Christian values have nonetheless animated our country’s culture and that of the West. Most recently, we hosted our first campus lecture featuring Michael Knowles, who discussed the true history of America’s founding. It was a battle to make this event a reality on our campus, but it was worth it because our student body was able to hear Knowles’ wise words. The event has also raised our club’s profile, allowing our message to permeate the campus.

Noah Jenkins

My mindset was strengthened by William F. Buckley, Jr.’s Firing Line series—which I discovered online in 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown—particularly his conversations with Thomas Sowell. I was also influenced by my high school friend Thomas Hodge, who currently serves as the YAF chairman at Florida International University. What lessons did you learn from attending YAF’s Activism Training Seminar that you have been able to apply on campus? My biggest takeaway from the Activism Training Seminar was how to table effectively. Before attending, I didn’t know what tabling was, and I had only a vague understanding of what YAF chapters did on campus on a daily basis. I was mainly familiar with YAF’s large campus speaker events. Attending this training helped me understand the level of planning that is required to make our YAF chapter—and tabling, in particular—successful. We have employed so many of these lessons this semester, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn and network with other young conservatives. What have you accomplished on campus since your YAF chapter received official recognition in April 2023? We planned what we wanted to accomplish before the start of this school year. One of the main things we wanted 12

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Given you have recently become a conservative campus activist, what reflections can you share about your involvement with YAF? Becoming the chairman of Vanderbilt YAF has forced me to strengthen my interpersonal communication skills when discussing public policy and current issues. I have a long way to go, but I am able to handle conversations and debates with other students better than I would have been able to just a year ago.

“By speaking out, conservative activists can make their campus more of a ‘safe space’—to borrow a term from the Left—for closet conservatives.” — Noah Jenkins Vanderbilt University YAF Chairman

One of the most surprising things I have learned since starting college is that, while the narrative of rabid leftism on campuses is certainly true, there are also many more conservatives than one might think. Most are quiet and don’t make their views known, and they are susceptible to the social pressures to fit in. But, by speaking out, conservative activists can make their campus more of a “safe space”—to borrow a term from the Left—for closet conservatives. —————————————————————————— These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

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National Journalism Center Awards Inaugural Dao Prize for Excellence in Investigative Journalism By Emily Jashinsky, Director, National Journalism Center; Culture Editor, The Federalist

n November 1, 2023, Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC) awarded its first annual Dao Prize for Excellence in Investigative Journalism to the team of reporters behind the Twitter Files. In a packed, black-tie gala at the National Press Club, Matt Taibbi accepted the $100,000 prize on behalf of himself, Bari Weiss, and Michael Shellenberger. “Thank you to the National Journalism Center for sending the message that doing the job from outside the rope line, from the perspective of the general public, is still respected and appreciated,” Taibbi said in his acceptance speech, adding, “I hope we may be able to look back on this as a moment when things started to turn around for this business.” In her opening remarks, emcee

“Thank you to the National Journalism Center for sending the message that doing the job from outside the rope line, from the perspective of the general public, is still respected and appreciated.” — MATT TAIBBI 2023 DAO PRIZE WINNER

Kimberley Strassel of the Wall Street Journal and Fox News shared a similar sentiment. The inaugural Dao Prize

celebration, said Strassel, was “an event that all of us in the room will be able, both in the near term and in the distant future, to look back on and tell friends and family was a truly consequential moment. A moment when those of us who celebrate freedom, and who understand from where and what that freedom flows, begin to once again celebrate and reward real journalism.” With the generous financial support of the Dao Feng & Angela Foundation (DAF), NJC launched the Dao Prize in 2023 to help correct the media’s broken incentive system by rewarding truthseeking journalism. Prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prizes are hopelessly corrupted by liberal institutionalists who promote shoddy reporting, such as the Russia collusion hoax, and smear excellent reporting on subjects like the Twitter Files, the Hunter Biden laptop investigation, and leftist dark money schemes.

The National Journalism Center Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC) is the nation’s premier journalism training program that combines hands-on media placements with educational sessions dedicated to promoting truthseeking journalism. Founded by M. Stanton Evans in 1977, NJC provides aspiring journalists with the opportunity to learn the principles and practices of responsible reporting. NJC’s paid 12-week internship program gives interns the tools and experiences to combat liberal bias in the mainstream media.

Students are matched with media outlets that reflect their interests and experiences, including the Washington Times, Fox News, C-SPAN, WMAL, The Federalist, Roll Call, Washington Examiner, and others. These placements help young journalists develop practical journalism skills and a better understanding of media, society, and public policy and how the three intersect in Washington, D.C., and across the country. To learn more about the National Journalism Center, please contact NJC Director Emily Jashinsky at ejashinsky@yaf.org or 800-USA-1776.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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Matt Taibbi addresses the audience of fellow journalists and Young America’s Foundation supporters and alumni following his acceptance of the Dao Prize, awarded to him, Bari Weiss, and Michael Shellenberger.

“The Dao Prize is a great way to incentivize the kind of thorough and aggressive reporting that legacy media used to care about,” said Sarah Bedford, an NJC alumna and member of NJC’s Board of Governors who serves as the investigations editor at the Washington Examiner. As the lead supporter of the award, DAF has committed to the Dao Prize over the next decade, ensuring the award will shape the media for years to come. NJC was founded in 1977 by journalist M. Stanton Evans. Now a project of YAF, more than 1,000 of NJC’s graduates currently work in media, producing thousands of impactful articles and TV segments annually. NJC’s signature 12-week internship program brings students to Washington, D.C., where they work at a conservative media outlet and receive training from veteran journalists. As trust in media now hovers near record lows, DAF and NJC believe it is essential to celebrate reporters advancing 14

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the public interest through robust investigative work. Too often, the media establishment celebrates work that protects power rather than challenges it and prizes punditry over reportage. The Dao Prize will help change this dynamic. The Twitter Files investigation, for instance, involved months of combing through at least a decade’s worth of records at the tech company’s San Francisco headquarters. Taibbi, Shellenberger, and Weiss then used additional records to piece together the truth about Twitter’s longtime collusion with the federal government and law enforcement to attack and censor conservative speech. It was one of the greatest investigative achievements in years. Yet, the media establishment relentlessly attacked the three journalists in an attempt to discredit their reporting. In addition to the top award, the Dao Prize recognizes two finalists, awarding $10,000 to each. In 2023, submissions from the Washington Free Beacon won both finalist awards. Aaron Sibarium took home $10,000 for his eye-opening series on extreme leftism infiltrating

major American institutions, from the medical profession to law schools. Andrew Kerr and Joseph Simonson were awarded $10,000 as well for their doublebyline series on Arabella Advisors’ darkmoney network propping up radical organizations.

“If America is to remain free, we need journalists who are willing to seek out truth, no matter the cost.” — DAO FENG HE DAO PRIZE SPONSOR

The Dao Prize is judged by NJC’s Board of Governors, which includes: Chairman T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr., Christopher Bedford of the Common Sense Society, Sarah Bedford of the Washington Examiner, Elizabeth Donatelli of the National Association of Broadcasters, John Gizzi of Newsmax, Rich Lowry of National Review, Alex Marlow of Breitbart, Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02), Larry O’Connor of WMAL, Gabby Orr of CRC Advisors, Katie Pavlich of Townhall and Fox News, YAF Board of Directors Vice President Ronald Pearson, and emeritus members Thomas L. Phillips and Tom Winter. This year, Strassel joined this committee as the first rotating guest judge. Dao Prize applicants were asked to submit an article, series of articles, or multimedia content published between 2022 and 2023. Dao Feng and Angela He, the sponsors of the Dao Prize, Submissions poured in attend the inaugural gala for the award.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

Governor Scott Walker, YAF’s president, speaks to hundreds of guests about the importance of revitalizing journalism.

from some of the best investigative journalists in the country—from the New York Post to RealClearPolitics to the Daily Caller. Their airtight work investigated important topics the legacy media ignores and distorts, like the Biden administration’s disastrous border policy, corruption at the U.S. Department of Justice, taxpayer-funded disinformation, transgender ideology in medicine, and the left-wing takeover of schools. Judges evaluated the submissions on a five-point scale in three categories: fairness and accuracy, investigative depth, and public interest. They cast their votes anonymously and were not permitted to vote for an outlet that currently employed them or a story to which they contributed. Judges then deliberated together at a meeting in midOctober, when they had the opportunity to cast one more ballot after discussion. The scores were calculated, and ballots were sealed. Winners were not notified until Strassel read their names at the ceremony. The Pulitzer Prizes, once considered journalism’s top award, reflect the industry’s decline. As NJC Program Director Becket Adams wrote in National Review—after John Durham

released the findings of his special counsel probe into the FBI and alleged Trump-Russia collusion—“The story for which the New York Times and the Washington Post were awarded one of journalism’s highest honors was actually a politically concocted lie. A politically concocted lie abetted by operators at the highest levels of power within the federal government.” In today’s media, rumors fabricated

by partisans aren’t challenged by leading journalists. They’re spread by leading journalists. This is not the free press our founders knew was required for our system to function. Dao Prize sponsor Dao Feng He has stated, “If America is to remain free, we need journalists who are willing to seek out truth, no matter the cost.” This award will do exactly that—give journalists good reason to do good work.

The Washington Free Beacon’s Joseph Simonson and Andrew Kerr (middle) receive the Dao Prize finalist award from (from left) NJC Director Emily Jashinsky, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member Kimberley Strassel, and NJC Program Director Becket Adams. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

Forever Tie Your Name to the • Legacy of Ronald Reagan • Sponsor an Acre at Rancho del Cielo

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or more than 60 years, Young America’s Foundation (YAF) has worked closely with President Ronald Reagan and his family to inspire young people with the ideas of individual freedom, free enterprise, a strong national defense, and traditional values. Since 1998, YAF has preserved Reagan’s 688-acre Rancho del Cielo in California, where thousands of young people have walked in the President’s footsteps to learn about his character, values, and vision for America. You can permanently tie your name to America’s greatest modern champion for freedom by sponsoring one of the few remaining acres at the Reagan Ranch. Join an exclusive group of patriotic Americans by protecting this priceless national treasure for the benefit of future generations. When you sponsor an acre at Rancho del Cielo, you will: • Have your name permanently recognized on Rancho del Cielo’s Freedom Wall and at the Reagan Ranch Center, YAF’s Schoolhouse for Reaganism in Santa Barbara, California • Have the opportunity to take a private, unforgettable tour of the Reagan Ranch • And more!

To learn how you can sponsor an acre, please call a YAF development officer

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Rancho del Cielo is preserved exclusively through private support. Young America’s Foundation accepts no government funding.

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Paula Scanlan reflects on her NCAA swimming career and underscores the importance of protecting women’s rights in all sports.

Paula Scanlan and Enes Kanter Freedom Headline High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch By Madison Habersetzer, Conference Director

undreds of eager students—representing 16 Foundation’s most in-demand program, regularly requiring a lengthy waitlist. As the premier Conservative Movement venue states and 63 schools—gathered for Young on the West Coast, the Reagan Ranch Center and Reagan Ranch America’s Foundation’s October High School attract increasing numbers of young people and families from Conference at the Reagan Ranch in Santa across the country who seek Barbara, California. More than 400 a more balanced education. attendees, including students, This year’s program began with a dinner banquet parents, and Foundation featuring author, talk radio supporters, participated in the weeklong program. host, and President Reagan’s son, Michael Reagan, who During the conference, inspired students with students walked in President compelling and memorable Ronald Reagan’s footsteps — Noelle Maser at his beloved Rancho del stories revealing his father’s Camarillo, California Cielo, gained knowledge character and leadership. The following day, from conservative leaders students learned from a and faculty members, and enjoyed the company of peers from around the nation. wide range of speakers, starting with country music artist and Since the conference’s inception shortly after the completion commentator Alexis Wilkins, who encouraged students to courageously stand for their values in today’s culture. of YAF’s Reagan Ranch Center facility in 2006, it has become the

“Although I am not typically surrounded by many conservatives at my public school, I now feel empowered to speak up about my beliefs.”

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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Country singer Alexis Wilkins (second from left) meets with students (from left) Ryan Beltran, Theodore Lemoine, and Elena Alexander following her remarks.

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During the opening dinner banquet of the conference, Michael Reagan shares the lessons he learned from his father, President Ronald Reagan.

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Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom discusses his work to speak out against the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights violations.

Reagan Ranch Director of Donor Relations Adam Ochs (left) interviews YAF supporters Jeff and Kristi Barens during a special conference session.

Detransitioned teenager Chloe Cole followed, sharing how the radical transgender movement victimized her. When asked by high schoolers how they should approach friends who identify as transgender, Cole counseled, “Acknowledge the fact that these treatments and surgeries don’t actually resolve anything…They won’t make you feel better. They are physical treatments for a psychiatric condition.” Students then experienced an unforgettable tour of the Reagan Ranch—exploring the property’s historic adobe home, tack barn, Secret Service Command Post, and riding 18

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trails—which has become a rite of passage for young conservatives nationwide. Since the Reagan family entrusted YAF in 1998 with preserving the 688-acre Rancho del Cielo in the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Foundation has used the Presidential property as a venue for educating and training young people with our 40th President’s freedom philosophy. While visiting the Ranch, students heard from Rear Admiral JJ Quinn—a Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member—about his experience serving as President Reagan’s naval aide.

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Dr. Burt Folsom, YAF’s longest-serving faculty member, speaks about America’s leadership role in abolishing slavery.

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Chloe Cole shares her personal story of detransitioning and warns students about the dangers of radical gender ideology.

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Historian Dr. Larry Schweikart delivers a speech highlighting the attributes that make America an exceptional nation.

Students enjoy a tour of the Secret Service Command Post during their visit to Rancho del Cielo.

Later in the day, recent collegiate swimmer and Stand with Women Spokeswoman Paula Scanlan headlined the dinner session, discussing the challenges of having to compete against biological male swimmer Lia Thomas. Scanlan underscored the lack of support she and her teammates received from administrators at the University of Pennsylvania, noting, “They told us, if we spoke out against swimming with a man on a women’s sports team, we would regret it. We would be on the wrong side of history, and we would never get a job.” During a special session, YAF supporters Jeff and Kristi

Barens participated in an interview with Reagan Ranch Director of Donor Relations Adam Ochs, providing encouragement for students to boldly advance conservative ideas among their peers. On the third day of the program, students learned about the virtues of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and the U.S. Constitution through informative sessions with economic historian and Hillsdale College Distinguished Fellow Dr. Burt Folsom, YAF President Governor Scott Walker, and educator and Exodus Institute Co-Founder Kali Fontanilla. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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High school students representing 16 states and 63 schools enjoy an unforgettable visit to Rancho del Cielo, President Ronald Reagan’s 688-acre property located in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Former NBA star and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom then delivered the keynote address during the Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable, held in conjunction with the conference. Freedom educated the audience on the hypocrisy of the NBA, which supported the Black Lives Matter movement but punished him for speaking out against human rights violations in China. In response to claims by his NBA teammates about America’s oppression, Freedom shared that High schoolers Balcha Stradiot (left) and Deme Stradiot (right) enjoy his offer to help them experience true oppression participating in the opening reception on the rooftop of the Reagan Ranch Center. abroad was rejected: “Let me buy your ticket— first-class—and let’s go to Iran, let’s go to China, let’s go to Russia, let’s go to Turkey…The reality is, if you even criticize these regimes, you and your Additional conference sessions featured Project If Life family members will be in jail and tortured to death.” Founder Anna Strasburg on the rights of the unborn, Students and parents also had the opportunity to hear historian Dr. Larry Schweikart on the pillars of American from Venezuelan freedom activist Daniel Di Martino (see exceptionalism, Hillsdale College Associate Professor of page 28), who shared how his native country—one of the Economics Dr. Michael Clark on the moral and practical case wealthiest in the world— “went from riches to rags” in his for entrepreneurship, and Program Officer for YAF Chapter lifetime due to radical socialist policies. Services Charlie Jones on persuasive communication. The final day of the program saw Dr. Folsom deliver a Reflecting on her experience attending this program, second presentation on the Left’s revisionist history of slavery. Noelle Maser from Adolfo Camarillo High School in He explained, “The 1619 Project…says that slavery is the Camarillo, California, remarked, “Although I am not typically central theme of United States history. But liberty is the central surrounded by many conservatives at my public school, I now theme of U.S. history. Slavery did not begin in the United feel empowered to speak up about my beliefs.” States. But the debate on slavery did begin in the United States.” 20

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

"YAF "YAF changed changed my my life." life." Negar Negar Jadidi Jadidi University University of of North North Carolina Carolina

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Negar Jadidi came to America as an Iranian refuge. After becoming discouraged by Negar Jadidi came to America as an Iranian refuge. After becoming discouraged by the leftism running rampant on her campus, she joined YAF. Negar was the leftism running rampant on her campus, she joined YAF. Negar was strengthened by her fellow conservative students and received practical activism strengthened by her fellow conservative students and received practical activism training that empowered her to change hearts and minds on her campus. training that empowered her to change hearts and minds on her campus. President Reagan believed, “There is a flickering spark in all of us which, if struck at President Reagan believed, “There is a flickering spark in all of us which, if struck at just the right age, can light the rest of our lives.” You can ensure that spark is lit for just the right age, can light the rest of our lives.” You can ensure that spark is lit for generations of young people, like Negar, by creating an estate gift to Young generations of young people, like Negar, by creating an estate gift to Young America’s Foundation. Your gift supports the Foundation’s premier conferences, America’s Foundation. Your gift supports the Foundation’s premier conferences, seminars, seminars, campus campus lectures, lectures, activism activism initiatives, initiatives, and and the the Reagan Reagan Ranch Ranch and and Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. To receive a free Estate Planning Guide or to learn about the exciting benefits of membership To receive a free Estate Planning Guide or to learn about the exciting benefits of membership in Young America's Foundation's Ranch in the Sky Legacy Society, please call a planned in Young America's Foundation's Ranch in the Sky Legacy Society, please call a planned giving officer at 800-USA-1776 or visit YAF.org. giving officer at 800-USA-1776 or visit YAF.org. NATIONAL NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS HEADQUARTERS 11480 11480 COMMERCE COMMERCE PARK PARK DRIVE DRIVE || SIXTH SIXTH FLOOR FLOOR || RESTON, RESTON, VIRGINIA VIRGINIA 20191 20191 NATIONALREAGAN HEADQUARTERS 11480 COMMERCE PARK DRIVE | SIXTH FLOOR | RESTON, 93101 VIRGINIA 20191 REAGAN RANCH RANCH CENTER CENTER 217 217 STATE STATE STREET STREET || SANTA SANTA BARBARA, BARBARA, CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA 93101 REAGAN RANCH CENTERHOME 217 STATE STREETHENNEPIN | SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 9310161021 RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD 810 SOUTH AVENUE | DIXON, ILLINOIS RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME 810 SOUTH HENNEPIN AVENUE | DIXON, ILLINOIS 61021 RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME 810 SOUTH HENNEPIN AVENUE | DIXON, ILLINOIS 61021

This could be YOUR event!

Host a conservative speaker on your campus. Young America’s Foundation is the only organization in America bringing Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, Yeonmi Park, and other leading conservatives to colleges from coast to coast. Visit YAF.org/Speakers or call 800-USA-1776 to learn how to organize the biggest conservative event of the year on your campus.

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Free Speech on College Campuses Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee November 8, 2023 The U.S. House Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing, “Free Speech on College Campuses,” that examined the state of the First Amendment at America’s colleges and universities. The hearing also examined the rise in antisemitism, anti-Israel sentiment, and violence towards students supporting Israel. The following pages feature the opening testimonies provided by Young Americans for Freedom student activists Jasmyn Jordan (see page 10) and Connor Ogrydziak.

Young Americans for Freedom activists Jasmyn Jordan and Connor Ogrydziak (far right) testify on campus free speech issues during a televised U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Opening Testimony of Jasmyn Jordan, Iowa Young Americans for Freedom Chairwoman ———————————————————————

ood morning, Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member Nadler, and members of the Committee. My name is Jasmyn Jordan, and I am blessed to have this opportunity to speak with you all today. I was raised in the church and homeschooled from preschool to fifth grade. Both of these were crucial in shaping

my early upbringing and worldview. They gave me the strong foundation of moral beliefs and values that the Constitution was founded on. Lessons like “Iron sharpens iron”, “Be a leader, not a follower,” and “So help me God” are ingrained into every aspect of my character. As I progressed to the public school environment, this strong moral compass guided me throughout my journey, and I carried it with me to college. In spring 2022, I joined Iowa Young Americans for Freedom, when I discovered that this organization aligned with the Christian conservative values instilled in me by my church and family. The more involved I became in the club, Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

Free Speech on College Campuses –––––––—————––—–—––––– Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee –––––––—————––—–—–––––

the more I discovered that the playing field for freedom of because they found Walsh’s speech offensive. Some people speech on college campuses was not equalized. were so dedicated to silencing our voices that literally, as one The first time I noticed this was when Iowa YAF hosted of us was advertising with chalk, a leftist student was effacing Kellyanne Conway as a speaker. In response, I was doxed in each of those letters with a wipe. We received death threats, a group chat of over 800 students and falsely labeled a Nazi, along with plenty of verbal harassment. The night before the token, white supremacist, and bigot. Some individuals even speaking event, my hallmate stalked outside of my bedroom expressed that I made them uncomfortable and feared that door by putting his ear on it multiple times to see if I was in I might commit a hate crime against them simply because I my room—because he was outraged by my involvement. am black and hold conservative That was a terrifying principles. These students experience! believe that if you are a When I talked to our hall conservative, you are hateful, coordinator about this, she support oppression, and only replied, “People are allowed to want to benefit straight, white think, feel, and react as they men even though such beliefs want to about the upcoming are untrue. event.” At the event, someone When we hosted Lt. Col. threw 20,000 marbles on the Allen West to speak on our floor to prevent people from campus last year, he spoke entering the venue. Attendees on the topic of “Debunking were spat on. Outside, the — Jasmyn Jordan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” university’s own marching Iowa YAF Chairwoman and proved that “America band played loud music to is not racist.” We used chalk try to drown out the speaker’s advertisements to promote message. the event, which is something I share these occurrences many colleges do to effectively with you all to show that let students know about despite repeatedly meeting with upcoming events. Immediately, the university administration, our chalking was altered, which the rules are continually was a violation of school policy. permitted to be broken New messages were put in place by left-leaning students. saying that Allen West was racist They, in fact, are coddled by and that racism was prevalent our school. The university in schools. expresses affirmations and At Allen West’s lecture, a puts together “support, protestor stood in the back solidarity, and celebration holding a sign that read, “Stop spaces.” These individuals YAF student activist Jasmyn Jordan provides her the alt-right. Punch your local act out against conservatives opening testimony. Nazi today.” This is blatant without care or consequence irony. Conservatives are slandered and are empowered to act this by students and faculty as harmful, yet here is an obvious way because of the lack of action by the administration and example of someone openly delivering a violent threat, and university leaders. they face no repercussions. Conservative organizations do not get the same resources The entitlement continues. I find that when a conservative that these other organizations receive. Conservatives often doesn’t want to hear a speaker, they do not attend the event. have to hide who they are and what they believe in so that When a leftist does not want to hear a speaker, they do they do not lose relationships, receive a lower grade, or face everything they can to shut the lecture down. constant doxing, harassment, intimidation, or threats. Our club recently hosted Matt Walsh. Students and faculty I went to college with the expectation that I would hear were willing to do almost anything to cancel the event just different points of view, because I thought that it would be a

“These individuals act out against conservatives without care or consequence and are empowered to act this way because of the lack of action by the administration and university leaders.”

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

Iowa YAF Chairwoman Jasmyn Jordan and her club members meet with commentator Matt Walsh (middle) following his sold-out campus lecture.

place where young people could come together, disagree, and still be friendly or courteous. However, after two years, I have realized that this is not the case at all and that students who hold opposing views are often subjected to frequent violent threats and other forms of harassment with no accountability. Our Founding Fathers guaranteed every U.S. citizen the right to free speech in the Constitution. It is an important resource for all Americans, not just a small percentage of them, particularly if they hold different views and ideas from those of others. To ensure the peaceful continuation of this nation, we must all come to understand that while holding differing opinions and expressing them, we should

nevertheless show respect for one another and refrain from causing each other bodily, mental, or emotional harm.

Opening Testimony of Connor Ogrydziak, former University at Buffalo Young Americans for Freedom Chairman ————————————————————————

Thank you, Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member Nadler, and members of the Committee. My name is Connor Ogrydziak, and it is an honor to bring my experiences before you today. Although I had hoped that my arrival to higher education would mark the arrival to a bastion of free speech, many of my first-hand experiences of freedom of speech violations at the University at Buffalo (UB) came during my membership of UB’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom. Two of the most prominent examples of freedom of speech bias that I have witnessed at the university each came in the form of speaker events, hosted by my chapter. In spring of 2022, as vice chair of my chapter, I had the opportunity to assist with hosting Lt. Col. Allen West at UB, an event which was preceded by delays in the signing of our contract and a forced venue change, which was exposed by a Freedom of Following her congressional testimony, Jordan appears on Fox News to discuss the Information Act request. importance of First Amendment rights for all students, including conservatives. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

However, the most striking action taken against us which gained thousands of student signatures; a forced venue followed Lt. Col. West’s speech, which included a discussion change orchestrated not only by the university administration of racism in America and accounts from his decorated this time, but also voted on by a State University of New York past. When the floor was opened to a question-and-answer council; a multitude of threats and torn literature; and even a session, student protestors shouted from their seats before tweet from Governor Kathy Hochul on the day of the event, the audio-visual employees from UB’s Student Association, calling comments from Michael dehumanizing. the student government, cut power to the event’s The decrial of this event garnered a responding statement microphones and speakers, ending the session. from UB President Satish Tripathi, explaining that the Confrontations continued Constitution protects speech upon exit from the event, and on campus “no matter how once outside, as you just saw in a noxious the content.” Based clip before the witnesses’ opening on the actions taken by faculty testimonies, chapter members and the rhetoric used by were chased by a hundredTripathi, I cannot name more person mob across campus. clear examples of evidence What that footage did not show that demonstrate the case of was the former chapter chair a university concerned only being forced into a bathroom, with following the letter of where she called 911 for rescue, the law, rather than uplifting and another board member conservative viewpoints to a — Connor Ogrydziak being physically attacked. With level equivalent with the values Former University at Buffalo silence from the university and of the Left, which are often YAF C hairman charges not pressed by the Erie celebrated in the university’s County district attorney’s office, own Distinguished Speaker I have since been left to consider Series. the precedent this sets for those Unfortunately, this was who plan to protest future events forced to extend into a federal on campus. lawsuit, with representation by Though I may not be Alliance Defending Freedom, qualified to determine what once our YAF chapter was constitutes adequate evidence banned from campus as in the eyes of the justice system, the result of a new national if those who were involved in affiliation ban by the student this mob were able to resort to government. fear tactics and violence without Though I graduated in the consequence, what is keeping previous spring semester and a pattern of this despicable am no longer able to engage behavior from being set and in discourse with opposing YAF alumnus Connor Ogrydziak testifies about executed repeatedly? students, I am fortunate to his experience facing campus free speech violations This thought remained on my still have friends on campus, at the University at Buffalo. mind throughout the planning including current YAF board of a March 2023 event featuring members, who can. Michael Knowles that I hosted as chairman. Something that has particularly concerned me recently, both This pushback included delays in contract signing from on campus and off, is the outward support for Hamas under the UB’s Student Association that deviated far from their outlined guise of support for Palestinian civilians. I will not generalize standard course of action; condemnation of the event by a entire groups. However, an unsettling number of students who local New York state senator and multiple Western New Yorkappeared both in a 300-person pro-Palestine march on campus, based organizations; a circulated petition constructed by three as well as a protest against a pro-Israel speaker, did not solely university professors calling for the cancellation of the lecture, speak out in support of Palestinian civilians. Rather, these

“Support for Hamas is not support for Palestinian civilians. It is the opposite. Support for Hamas is support for a terrorist organization, and this must not be misconstrued.”

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

students directly stated their support for Hamas. I would like to be clear, regardless of background, I do not wish for civilian death. Support for Hamas is not support for Palestinian civilians. It is the opposite. Support for Hamas is support for a terrorist organization, and this must not be misconstrued. Regardless of what side of the political aisle you reside on, it should be common ground that no student deserves

to be threatened, mistreated, or silenced on campus due to their personal beliefs. Conservative students currently face a relentless uphill battle for representation on campus, and though we may seek support from outside groups and legislators such as yourselves, we will not accept the label of victims. Standing up for your beliefs will never be a waste of time, and as Americans, we hold that in our hearts. I thank you for your time.

Ogrydziak addresses the audience during YAF’s 2023 National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D.C.

Despite protests and threats, University at Buffalo YAF Chairman Connor Ogrydziak (right) welcomes commentator Michael Knowles (left) to the stage for a standing-room-only campus lecture in early 2023.

Protestors attempt to shut down one of several campus events hosted by the University at Buffalo YAF chapter under Ogrydziak’s leadership. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

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From Venezuela’s Socialist Disaster to America’s Empire of Liberty By Daniel Di Martino, Founder, Dissident Project

was born in Venezuela one month out of middle school to work at a before socialist tyrant Hugo Chavez candy factory. Often, I visited my took office, and as I grew up, paternal grandparents, who were everything around me fell apart. The Italian and from whom I learned During YAF’s 45th annual National Conservative Student grocery store shelves were emptier each about the resistance against Conference in Washington, D.C., Daniel Di Martino shares the day, my school Benito story of how socialism destroyed Venezuela. had fewer teachers Mussolini. companies small and large, impose price each semester, From all four of “I saw the light in my and currency controls, and centralize my home began them, I learned of government authority. losing power and all the opportunities high school library— To maintain his popularity, Chavez water frequently, they encountered in gave away free food, utilities, gasoline, and, with each Venezuela as they where I found a Spanish home appliances, education, healthcare passing year, more immigrated there in translation of Milton treatments, and countless goods and family and friends 1956, when it was services. His socialist policies bankrupted migrated to other the fourth richest Friedman’s book, countries. country in the world. our nation, leading to hyperinflation Almost every But the Venezuela and widespread shortages, blackouts, Free to Choose.” and water scarcity. He packed our week during I grew up in turned courts and purged our police, leading to my childhood into something — DANIEL DI MARTINO skyrocketing crime, including robbery, I visited my very different from homicide, and kidnappings. maternal the country that Amid Venezuela’s downfall, when my grandparents, welcomed my family went from earning thousands of who emigrated from the Spanish region grandparents—and that my parents of Galicia to Venezuela. They told me lived in their whole lives. Chavez planted dollars to just $100 per month, I saw the light in my high school library—where about rationing in Francisco Franco’s the seeds of envy to get elected and I found a Spanish translation of Milton Spain and how my grandfather dropped then used his power to nationalize

The Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise Young America’s Foundation’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise (CEFE) educates and inspires young people to champion free market principles. Through campus lectures, immersive conferences and seminars, and essential digital and print educational resources, CEFE trains the next generation of leaders who understand the importance of free enterprise for creating a more prosperous America. CEFE’s work is guided by a distinguished Board of

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

Advisors that includes Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, Daniel Di Martino, Dr. Alice Kassens, Dr. Arthur Laffer, Andy Puzder, Richard and Jane Schwartz, Mark Shevitz, and Dr. Brian Strow. —————————————————————————— To learn more about the Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise, please contact Vice President and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise Raj Kannappan at rkannappan@yaf.org.

As part of YAF’s Free Enterprise Lecture Series, Di Martino speaks to hundreds of students at the Florida Atlantic University College of Business.

Friedman’s book, Free to Choose. I began watching YouTube videos of Friedman, a former Young America’s Foundation speaker. This led me to learn more about Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Friedrich Hayek and become interested in the United States. By my senior year of high school, I became determined to attend college in America. For the socialist tyrant, America was the “empire,” and the opposition were the “imperialists.” For me, America was and is what Thomas Jefferson called the “Empire of Liberty.” In 2016, I left Venezuela, 60 years after my grandparents got there. And while America was everything and more than I expected, I also began to recognize how serious the threat to freedom was. Among the first things we were assigned to do in student orientation at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was a so-called “walk of privilege.” If you were white or Christian, you took a step forward, but if you were black, you took a step back. Women, Hispanics, and gays and lesbians also

College students participating in YAF’s 2023 Road to Freedom Seminar attend a session featuring Di Martino.

took steps back. I refused to participate once I noticed this was about showing that some people had an inherent advantage based on these characteristics. Many more experiences showed me that America’s colleges were indoctrinating students into believing

in an ideology of oppression, and their main goal was to dismantle the freedom of enterprise that had allowed America to become richer than any society in human history. I began writing about what happened to my native country for online

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

S P E A K E R

C O L U M N

publications, going on TV, and speaking at events. I was invited to speak at a Young America’s Foundation student conference for the first time more than two years ago. Since then, I have reached thousands of young Americans by speaking at more than two dozen YAF events, including at

“Through organizations like YAF, we are making sure that young Americans know America is that ‘Empire of Liberty’ that Jefferson dreamed of and

Daniel Di Martino meets with college student Juliette Colunga during a YAF seminar at the Reagan Ranch Center in 2022.

that ‘shining city on a hill’ that Ronald Reagan described.” — DANIEL DI MARTINO

YAF’s national headquarters, the Reagan Ranch, colleges, and even high schools around the country. Everywhere I go, I tell my story of what I lived through in Venezuela—how socialist policies like nationalization, overregulation, and deficit spending destroyed it—and debunk myths like the idea that Nordic countries are socialist paradises. Frequently following my speeches, I have answered questions from leftwing students who think that socialism could work “if implemented correctly” and even persuaded many of them to understand that this would not—and has never been—the case. My first-hand experience, academic background, and the fact that I don’t antagonize students but seek to understand them, works. To reach even younger students, I founded the Dissident Project, an 30

As the founder of the Dissident Project, Di Martino educates America’s youth through his testimony and the stories of fellow survivors of socialism from around the world.

organization that sends immigrants from authoritarian countries to high schools at no cost. YAF has been an invaluable partner in this effort. Many adult Americans tell me that they are worried about their country’s future. But I am hopeful because we are putting up a fight that Venezuelans did not—the fight for the minds of the next generation. Through organizations like YAF, we are making sure that young Americans know America is

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Winter 2024

that “Empire of Liberty” that Jefferson dreamed of and that “shining city on a hill” that Ronald Reagan described. ———————————————— Daniel Di Martino is a PhD candidate in economics at Columbia University, founder of the Dissident Project, member of YAF’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise Board of Advisors, graduate fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and Robert Novak Fellow at The Fund for American Studies.

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n November 1, Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC) awarded the first annual Dao Prize for Excellence in Investigative Reporting (see page 13). Journalist Matt Taibbi accepted the prize on behalf of himself, Bari Weiss, and Michael Shellenberger for their reporting on Twitter’s collusion with the federal government to censor conservative speech. Pictured above (from left) are NJC Director Emily Jashinsky, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member Kimberley Strassel, Taibbi, and NJC Program Director Becket Adams.