The University of Louisiana at Lafayette chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a “Prove Me Wrong” event at the Student Union on Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The chapter describes the event as an opportunity to “provide students with an open forum for respectful, voluntary discussion and the exchange of differing viewpoints,” according to the description on Campus Groups.
The “Prove Me Wrong” debate format typically consists of a speaker from TPUSA’s Campus Speaker Bureau and a second microphone for anyone to walk up to and debate the speaker, for a limited time, about any topic. It was planned in coordination with the TPUSA national organization to engage young voters.
This event featured Lily Kate, who’s described on the TPUSA website as a “Gen Z conservative commentator and content creator.” She’s passionate about topics including femininity, masculinity and Christianity.
On Wednesday, students started debates about topics such as abortion, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and how they relate to gender and racial divisions in the United States.
Anyone interested in learning more about Kate’s political ideology can find her on numerous socials.
In the past, she’s been active on Instagram and as a podcast host. She currently hosts the “Let Him Mansplain” YouTube channel. She authored and published “We Can’t Do It: 50 Reasons Feminism Failed and Why Tradition Is the Ultimate Rebellion.”
The “Prove Me Wrong” debate format was often used by TPUSA’s founder and former executive director, Charlie Kirk. He was killed September 2025 at a “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University.
Erika Kirk, his wife, has since taken his place and continued the organization’s mission.
College students are primarily members of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012.
They make up about 20% of all eligible voters this election, 50 million people, as opposed to the 2022 midterms when they constituted just 9%.
They’ll continue to be a growing voting demographic, as the youngest are currently 14 years old.
Although issues vary widely by race, gender and political affiliation, this generation is focused on cost-of-living factors, like the economy, inflation, housing and healthcare.
Regardless of whether students agree or disagree with TPUSA’s mission and values, this was an interesting day on campus.
Students of different backgrounds and opinions gathered to hear their peers talk about what was important to them ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.