RI College GOP Chair on MAGA Hats: “It’s Unfair to Characterize Someone on One Piece of Clothing”
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Ed Tarnowski, Chair of the College Republican Federation of Rhode Island, joined GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle on LIVE where he spoke to recent events nationally — as well as local priorities for the CRFRI.
In response to people nationally and locally accusing wearers of Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats as being racist — actress Alyssa Milano called them “The New White Hood;” leader Trinity Rep actor said they are akin to being draped with the Confederate flag — Tarnowski said the following.
“As the Chairman of the College Republicans, I know many Republicans who are very Trump supporting and they’re not racists in any shape or form in any interactions I’ve had with them,” said Tarnowski. “I think it’s unfair to characterize someone just because of an article of clothing.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTarnowski spoke to the particular focus that CRFRI has on protecting free speech on campuses.
"When it comes to college campuses, one of the main concerns that students have brought to me — and that I’ve seen as being a student over my many years in college so far are issues regarding free speech and bias at universities when it comes to political discourse and we want to emphasize the importance of allowing the free exchange of ideas on college campuses," said Tarnowski. "It looks like we’re going to be successful in our effort to amend the bylaws for URI to ensure free speech rights for students and faculty members."
"You would be at least willing to hear another side and just listen — and not be hostile automatically, just because they’re conservative — or they’re Republican, or Democrat," said Tarnowski. "You just have to be open to listening to another idea."
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