TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Students at Florida A&M University expressed both robust civic ambitions and doubts during a crucial gubernatorial town hall held on campus last Tuesday, setting the stage for Republican candidate Byron Donalds’ presentation on higher education, affordability, and the Second Amendment.
Initiating the conversation on youth engagement, 22-year-old political science pre-law student Imani Edwards highlighted the importance of civic participation.
“I always believe that in education there is power,” Edwards said, urging peers to educate themselves so they can make informed decisions.
Reflecting those feelings, 22-year-old IT student Omar Samuel spoke about the usual gap between ordinary people and their elected representatives.
“In politics, I think there’s a lot of disconnect with the normal everyday person,” Samuel noted, adding that campus events help prove that politicians care about the normal citizen.
In that student-focused environment, Donalds took the spotlight in Lee Hall to present his conservative policy agenda. In discussing the university system of the state, Donalds contended that public higher education should prioritize economic sustainability, highlighting lucrative technical careers, vocational training opportunities, and the growth of R1 research. Regarding cost-of-living issues, he proposed regulatory and zoning changes in addition to revamping property insurance to reduce expenses for homeowners and renters.
“I aim to adjust Florida’s regulations to reduce premiums by 20 percent within the state,” Donalds remarked.
Donalds also advocated for gun rights on college campuses, expressing strong backing for the Second Amendment and asserting that law-abiding college students have an essential right to self-defense.
The night included intense policy discussions, resistance from the audience, and an unanticipated break when a building fire alarm necessitated a brief evacuation. Upon re-entering, the town hall highlighted a motivated student populace intent on holding leaders responsible.
