Protesters Rally Against TPUSA Event, Condemn Divisive Rhetoric

On November 5, 2025, a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event took place at Auburn University’s Neville Arena. In response, a gathering of protesters occurred at the intersection of Thach Concourse and South Donahue at 5 p.m. to express their dissent. While TPUSA’s event started at 6:30 p.m., the protest remained peaceful and independent of any formal student organizations.

Protester Concerns Over TPUSA’s Message

The demonstrators criticized Auburn University for hosting an event they believed contradicted the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The phrase “Auburn Family, remember your humanity” became a key chant among the protesters. They argued that it’s contradictory to promote unity while allowing an organization perceived to undermine minority issues to organize a significant event on campus.

• Protesters voiced their frustrations about Auburn’s approach to minority communities.
• Faith Fluker, a senior communications major, expressed concern about recent university actions.
• Fluker stated, “We are continuously losing things, and it feels like the safe space for us is continuously getting smaller.”

Responses to the Protest

Among the crowd, some participants followed the protest from a distance, expressing mixed feelings. Chants such as “Love not hate, makes America great” resonated as protesters marched toward Toomer’s Corner, gaining support from passersby who cheered and honked.

The protest witnessed interactions with supporters as well as detractors. One passerby shouted a pro-Trump message, while others expressed solidarity with the protesters. Despite some confrontations, the atmosphere remained calm, highlighting the protesters’ commitment to a peaceful demonstration.

Continued Activism

Damarius Nolan-Watts, an Auburn alum, stated that he was engaged in a different, ongoing sit-in protest at Toomer’s Corner for nearly five years. This sit-in began following the tragic death of George Floyd and serves to promote social justice and awareness.

• Nolan-Watts highlighted the encounter as a milestone in their peaceful demonstrations.
• He noted, “Today is 1,984 days since our original organizer started the protest.”
• He acknowledged the importance of sustained activism in fostering dialogue within the community.

Grant McEacharn, a sophomore, participated in the protest, reinforcing the importance of expressing one’s opinion respectfully. He advocated for healthy discussions around divisive issues without resorting to hostility.

Conclusion

The protest against the TPUSA event at Auburn University underscores a growing concern among students about the institution’s engagement with minority issues. As Auburn navigates this complex dialogue, the voices of its students remain critical in shaping a more inclusive environment.