Right-wing activist and media personality Charlie Kirk encouraged young women to go to college ― but not because he wants them to learn.
Speaking at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference held in Dallas this month by the Kirk-founded conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, he responded to a 14-year-old girl who was interested in political journalism and asked for his advice on college. A video of the now-viral exchange was shared on X by writer Madeline Peltz.
First, Kirk asked those in the crowd to raise their hands if their main priority was getting married and having kids. After some hands went up, Kirk launched into his spiel.
“Interestingly, I think there’s an argument to bring back the ‘M-R-S degree,’” he said, using a slang term that refers to women attending college for the purpose of finding husbands.
He continued, “And just be clear that’s why you’re going to college, right? Don’t lie to yourself, like, ‘Agh, I’m going, I’m studying sociology.’ No you’re not, we know why you’re here. And that’s OK, actually! That’s a really good reason to go to college, actually.”
He then suggested that women seek spouses at Southeastern Conference schools in particular.
“I say college is a scam,” Kirk, who authored a book titled, “The College Scam,” added. “But if you’re going to find your life partner, that’s actually a really good reason to go college.”
The Turning Point USA founder’s wife, Erika Kirk, also spoke at the summit. She encouraged women to deprioritize their careers and have babies as soon as possible, according to The Cut.
