Boston College Republicans feel they have faced increased attacks since Trump’s presidential victory.

By Vivienne Felber 

The Boston College Republicans expressed concerns about increasing attacks on conservative students following Donald Trump’s presidential reelection. The group accused the “attackers” of defaming them with negative stereotypes. 

The group reported the backlash and harmful remarks, including social media criticism and a physical altercation involving the former president James Markis. In response, Boston College spokesperson Jack Dunn denied widespread harassment and emphasized the university’s support for free speech.

Logan Trupiano a MassGOP spokesman wrote, “Ostracizing someone based on their political beliefs should never be tolerated, especially in a collegiate environment where students are meant to engage in learning and exchange diverse perspectives,” in an email to Boston.com. 

The Boston College Republicans called for more respectful political discussions and unity across campus.

In a letter to the editor, Robin Lee emphasized the club’s “history of sponsoring hateful guest speakers,” which included Andrew Klavan, a conservative political commentator, and political scientist Hadley Arkes. Both received backlash from students for speaking at the university previously.

Markis acknowledged the campus’s left-leaning nature and clarified that the group was concerned with the tone of discourse, not ideological disagreement. The Republicans met with BC administrators, who expressed a commitment to fostering dialogue.