ALBUQUERQUE — Conservative commentator and author Will Witt visited the University of New Mexico on Tuesday as part of Turning Point USA’s “Pick Up the Mic” initiative, drawing hundreds of students and onlookers to the campus Duck Pond for several hours of open discussion and debate.
Witt, who now lives in Florida, previously spent time in New Mexico and filmed content on the UNM campus during the early years of his media career. In one widely circulated video, he staged an “affirmative action bake sale,” pricing baked goods differently depending on a buyer’s race as commentary on affirmative action policies.
Since then, Witt has worked as a media personality and public speaker, producing short films and documentaries and speaking on college campuses and at political events. He is the author of the books How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies and Do Not Comply: Taking Power Back from America’s Corrupt Elite.
The event, hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter at UNM, invited students to approach a microphone and engage Witt directly on political and cultural issues. The format, used by Turning Point USA at campuses across the country, is intended to encourage public dialogue between speakers and students with differing viewpoints.
The event format is similar to campus appearances frequently hosted by Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Since Kirk was assassinated in September, the organization has continued holding open-discussion events at universities nationwide.
Eric Soule, president of the Turning Point USA chapter at the University of New Mexico, said the event was intended to encourage conversation and civic engagement among students.
“The Pick Up the Mic event brought much needed discussions to campus,” Soule said. “It further strengthened my calling to continue the legacy of Charlie. No one can fill the shoes he left, but the work of all of us can continue the work he started.”
Students gathered around the Duck Pond throughout the afternoon as discussions covered a wide range of topics, including foreign policy, homelessness, immigration and the rising cost of living. Participants took turns at the microphone, asking questions and debating Witt and other students in front of the crowd.
Don Andrade, president of IMPACT UNM, said the event provided an opportunity for students to openly discuss issues affecting the campus and the broader community.
“IMPACT UNM was proud to partner with Turning Point UNM to help host ‘Pick Up the Mic With Will Witt,’” Andrade said. “While there were a few instances of protest that resulted in arrests, the event itself remained largely peaceful. What stood out most was the noticeable shift in campus culture. Students are increasingly willing to engage in dialogue and ask direct questions about the issues that mattered to them.”
The gathering remained largely orderly, though tensions occasionally rose as some individuals attempted to disrupt the event by playing loud music, using loudspeakers and shouting toward the discussion area.
“Turning Point at UNM will always strive to continue conversations and promote the peaceful exchange of ideas,” Soule said.
At least one person was arrested during the event. Police were present during the gathering, and additional details about the arrest were not immediately available.
