TPUSA’s UNC Chapter President Speaks out about Anti-Israel Campus Protests on Campus
Colby Kelley, the president of the Turning Point USA chapter at UNC Chapel Hill, appeared on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends First” to discuss how college campuses are preparing for a potential resurgence of anti-Israel protests as students return for the fall semester. This comes in the wake of widespread protests in the spring, many of which turned violent and included anti-Semitic rhetoric and attacks.
Kelley gained attention earlier this year when he and fellow fraternity members at UNC stood up to protesters who tore down an American flag on campus and replaced it with a Palestinian flag.
When protesters tore down an American flag at UNC Chapel Hill and replaced it with a Palestinian flag, UNC’s chancellor, escorted by law enforcement, walked through the crowd of protesters and re-raised the American flag. Once he left, protesters attempted once again to tear the flag down. But this time, they were stopped by Kelley and his fraternity brothers, who stood guard around the flag despite being insulted and having objects thrown at them.
Reflecting on the events of the spring, Kelley described the incident as a “terrible thing.” He then explained how the TPUSA chapter on campus is working to promote more pro-Israel voices.
“One of the initiatives that are chapter’s actually working to is to bring speakers and promote a pro-Israel message, particularly for our Jewish members. Kelley said. “I think it’s very important, particularly now, that we begin to push this message.”
In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to Capitol Hill, claimed that Iran has been funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in the US to disrupt American society. He also took time to praise the fraternity brothers at UNC who protected the American flag amidst protests where American flags were being burned.
Kelley expressed his appreciation for Netanyahu’s comments, saying, “I personally think it’s a great message. I’ve never been given such high praise from such international figures.” He also commended the involvement of various fraternities in defending the flag, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to protecting American values and traditions.
“I’m very happy that various fraternities, not just mine, were able to come out,” Kelley explained. “I think it shows that it isn’t just us political activists and though I might be involved in certain organizations, I think there are a lot more people who care about America, our history, our traditions, and are working to defend that.”
Kelley concluded by expressing his support for UNC’s new permanent chancellor, Lee H. Roberts, applauding his leadership during these challenging times on campus. Roberts has publicly commented on protests on the campus, saying that student protests are supported and encouraged. However, he emphasized in an interview with WUNC that protesters cannot “threaten, harass or intimidate students or employees or faculty or anybody else.”
“As long as folks abide by those rules, which I think are very clear guardrails and hopefully easy to comply with, I think we’ll have a really positive semester,” the chancellor said.
