Young Conservatives of Texas A&M chapter gains new adviser
University reinstates group focused on principles, not parties
By: Amanda Tilley
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
The Young Conservatives of Texas became a recognized group on the A&M campus again, after members found a faculty adviser to support them, though he may not be a conservative.
YCT faculty adviser, John Fike, said he doesn't have to agree with YCT to support them.
"I would do the same for any other group who needed an adviser," said Fike, who is aware of YCT's past.
"This is not the direction the present group of students wants to go. If it was, I wouldn't be involved," he said.
Incoming YCT chairman, Tony Listi, said he's glad YCT was reinstated.
"I think the reconstitution of YCT on the A&M campus is long overdue," the senior political science major said. "I don't think students really understand what conservatism is anymore, or why it matters."
One of the purposes of YCT is to provide support for all conservative individuals within the University and surrounding communities. The organization is not concerned with a particular party, but rather the idea of conservatism.
"[YCT members] believe in conservatism as a philosophy that transcends political parties. They need to stand up for what's best," Fike said.
Listi agrees that conservatism has nothing to do with political parties.
"I have many friends among the College Republicans, but the fact of the matter is that their hands are tied to party loyalty, whoever the candidate is," Listi said. "They are stuck supporting whatever moderate comes down the pipeline. But what sets YCT apart from them is our ability and willingness to put principle before any party or person."
Listi said that many people consider A&M to be a conservative campus, but not everyone sees that as a good thing.
"There is more liberalism within A&M's administrators, staff, faculty and even students than most people know or are willing to acknowledge. They see the conservative label as a welcome challenge, eager to 'educate' and 'enlighten,'?" Listi said.
Listi said he knows people will disagree with YCT.
"We have agreed that YCT will respect the opinions of those who disagree with it," he said. "But YCT will certainly enjoy civil and courteous debate with those whom we disagree and defend conservatism.
"YCT will treat each and every Aggie, liberal or conservative or otherwise, with respect and take caution to ensure that the means and style of communication do not undermine this fundamental respect of person."
YCT faculty adviser, John Fike, said he doesn't have to agree with YCT to support them.
"I would do the same for any other group who needed an adviser," said Fike, who is aware of YCT's past.
"This is not the direction the present group of students wants to go. If it was, I wouldn't be involved," he said.
Incoming YCT chairman, Tony Listi, said he's glad YCT was reinstated.
"I think the reconstitution of YCT on the A&M campus is long overdue," the senior political science major said. "I don't think students really understand what conservatism is anymore, or why it matters."
One of the purposes of YCT is to provide support for all conservative individuals within the University and surrounding communities. The organization is not concerned with a particular party, but rather the idea of conservatism.
"[YCT members] believe in conservatism as a philosophy that transcends political parties. They need to stand up for what's best," Fike said.
Listi agrees that conservatism has nothing to do with political parties.
"I have many friends among the College Republicans, but the fact of the matter is that their hands are tied to party loyalty, whoever the candidate is," Listi said. "They are stuck supporting whatever moderate comes down the pipeline. But what sets YCT apart from them is our ability and willingness to put principle before any party or person."
Listi said that many people consider A&M to be a conservative campus, but not everyone sees that as a good thing.
"There is more liberalism within A&M's administrators, staff, faculty and even students than most people know or are willing to acknowledge. They see the conservative label as a welcome challenge, eager to 'educate' and 'enlighten,'?" Listi said.
Listi said he knows people will disagree with YCT.
"We have agreed that YCT will respect the opinions of those who disagree with it," he said. "But YCT will certainly enjoy civil and courteous debate with those whom we disagree and defend conservatism.
"YCT will treat each and every Aggie, liberal or conservative or otherwise, with respect and take caution to ensure that the means and style of communication do not undermine this fundamental respect of person."
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