Mississippi Democratic Party Stands With UM Students Exercising Their Democratic Voice
JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Democratic Party (MSDP) proudly supports the Young Democrats of UM and their partner organizations in hosting the “Mississippi Rise Up Town Hall” on Wednesday, October 29, at the Gertrude C. Ford UM Student Union. Scheduled at the same time as Turning Point USA’s event featuring Vice President JD Vance at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion, this counter-event will feature Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson and UM Professor of Sociology Dr. James Thomas, and exemplifies the democratic values of civic engagement, free expression, and thoughtful discourse that are essential to our democracy.
The town hall, organized in partnership with UM Environmental Coalition, UM Forward, Southern Progressives Alliance, Community Alliance Network, Lafayette County Democratic Party, and United Campus Workers, will provide students and community members an opportunity to engage with elected officials, community organizers, and fellow citizens on the issues that matter most to Mississippians.
“We are incredibly proud of these student leaders who are standing up and making their voices heard,” said MSDP Chairman Cheikh Taylor. “In Mississippi and across America, we believe in the fundamental right to free speech for all, and that includes the right of these students to organize, to speak, and to present alternative viewpoints. Democracy thrives when young people engage thoughtfully with the political process, ask tough questions, and demand accountability from their leaders. These students are doing exactly that, and we stand firmly beside them.”
Campus organizers released a public statement ahead of the event, which reads in part:
“Our university has a long, complicated history, full of troublesome lapses in moral clarity, and this event brings just one more speaker whose legacy will not endure the test of time. We look forward to hosting a series of events to coincide with the vice president’s visit, in order to demonstrate that the University of Mississippi and its students are not beholden to any singular ideology.”
The MSDP recognizes that a healthy democracy requires robust debate and the free exchange of ideas. While the party respects the rights of all organizations to hold events and express their perspectives, we are equally committed to ensuring that progressive voices—especially those of young Mississippians who represent the future of our state—are heard loud and clear.
“The Mississippi Democratic Party will always champion the rights of students and citizens to participate fully in our democratic process,” said MSDP Vice Chair Jodie Brown. “We encourage all Mississippians, especially our young people, to stay engaged, stay vocal, and never stop fighting for the future they want to see.”
The “Mississippi Rise Up Town Hall” will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at the Gertrude C. Ford UM Student Union.
