BLEXIT, a non-profit group co-founded by conservative political commentator Candace Owens, reportedly tried to set up shop at a HBCU’s homecoming. BLEXIT, a grassroots movement that encourages Black folks to leave the Democratic Party, had been hosting tours at HBCUs. But things didn’t go quite as planned when they showed up at Hampton University.
Suggested Reading
The organization, founded in 2019 by Owens and Brandon Tatum, is aligned with the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA, and has been on an “Educate to Liberate” tour at HBCUs around the country this homecoming season to win over young Black voters, who traditionally vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates.
BLEXIT’s tour included stops at Howard University and Bowie State University. But when they got to Hampton, they were escorted off the yard, as university representatives say the folks at BLEXIT didn’t submit the vendor application required to participate in the homecoming activities.
“As a matter of public safety, Hampton must know who is on campus, why they are here, and how to contact them in case of an emergency. Vendors and guests following established procedures allow us to coordinate access and ensure that all participants are properly credentialed and protected. Without this step, we cannot extend the privileges of official guest status or guarantee safety protocols,” read an official statement on the school’s website.
The folks at BLEXIT, however, say the move was less about safety and more about censorship, insisting that they were removed because of their conservative, Christian values.
“Instead of celebrating that spirit of open discussion, the university shut it down — claiming we “didn’t go through the proper channels.” Let’s be honest: this wasn’t about paperwork. It was about politics,” one member Craig Long wrote in an Instagram post. “We were silenced because we are BLEXIT — because we stand for Christian values, conservative principles, and independent thought that challenge the mainstream narrative.”
Hampton maintains that they welcome diverse opinions on campus – as long as they go through the proper channels.
“Hampton University welcomes organizations and speakers representing a variety of perspectives, provided they follow established protocols,” the school’s statement read. “BLEXIT failed to meet those standards.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.