Hi there,

Incoming freshman here planning on double majoring in Business-Econ and Political Science.

I just had a few questions about the political culture at UCLA. You see, I’m from a conservative area near San Diego and I happen to be a staunch conservative/libertarian/Republican myself.

I believe in small, limited government; limited interference in the private sector and deregulation, i.e. free markets; pro-life policy; supporting the NRA and gun rights; the fact that climate change claims are way overblown; not being ashamed of my heritage; lowered taxes; curbing illegal immigration; and putting America First, etc.

I’m also an avid listener of podcasts and shows hosted by Ben Shapiro (my favorite), Steven Crowder, Dennis Prager, Sam Harris, Charlie Kirk, Jordan Peterson… the list goes on and on.

Now, given that my views are right-wing, my question is: If I wore t-shirts to class and around campus that had sayings like “Facts don’t care about your feelings” or “Reagan Bush ‘84” or “Socialism Sucks” or a t-shirt that read “Capitalism” but in the style and font of the ‘Coca-Cola’ logo, would I be attacked for my views? Would I be singled out and scorned or ostracized by students who can’t stand the fact that someone disagrees with them? In other words, the hard line leftists who are common on every college campus — the type of students who consistently use either emotion or logical fallacies instead of air-tight, sound arguments to present their positions like most on the right. You know who I’m talking about, the students who tend to major in gender studies, ethnic studies or sociology. Now, I’m not insulting those fields; rather, I’m merely saying that they tend to attract certain types. That’s all. I want to know if these students will try to give me a hard time for my openly conservative views.

I also ask because I tend not to shy away from correcting liberal professors when they try to proselytize their left-wing socialist views in class. I did it all through high school and was known as the kid who wouldn’t back down from an intellectual scuffle with any of my teachers on the left. It got so bad I actually had to have a mediation in the vice-principal’s office with my AP government teacher who couldn’t get over the fact that I didn’t buy his “tax cuts are terrible for the economy myth,” because it got pretty heated in class one day between us. Long story short, I agreed to no longer bring my “liberal tears” coffee mug to class every morning lest I set him off again, haha. But boy, was he full of rhetoric and baseless arguments. It was honestly kind of sad. It’s just too bad my peers didn’t see it. I actually should’ve kept quiet most of the time because I ran the risk of being graded unfairly and thus risking my position as valedictorian. Luckily, it wasn’t an issue. But the fact that I had to worry about it at all gives you an idea at the state of left-wing bias in schools these days: it’s everywhere, especially in colleges.

Anyway, I would just like to know what kind of an experience a proud conservative freshman would have, given these viewpoints and predilections. Based on the fact that UCLA is the top public university in the nation, I don’t expect to encounter many (if any) students who would do anything drastic, but you can never be too safe. That’s why I wanted to get opinions on how the political climate is at the moment and what I can expect in the fall. I know a few years ago there was a lot of tension during the build up to the presidential election (Hillary lost if you don’t recall) – or at least that’s what my brother’s friend told me.

Also, how’s the Republican club on campus? I honestly can’t wait to join. Btw, if any kooky far-leftists are reading this: get ready. Because UCLA is about to produce another Ben Shapiro. 😉 You’ve been warned, lol. Coming to a poli-sci discussion section near you! SOON. 😎

P.S. Vote John Cox for governor in November! Repeal the gas tax!

Go Bruins!