From the beginning of my involvement in the Republican Party, I have been placed in a box by my liberal classmates and forced into stereotypes that do not represent who I am. I have been called “delusional,” “mentally impaired,” “spoiled,” “racist,” and many other hurtful names, especially on social media.

For some reason, not saying it to my face makes it easier to do, even though I see them in the halls the next day. Much of the name calling has been made by individuals I once considered friends or at least acquaintances.

I have heard throughout my high school career that people “hate me” solely because of my party affiliation. I have been whispered about. I have been stared at. I have been marginalized. I have been called “anti-women” for holding pro-life positions, or a “bigot” for my devout Catholic faith.

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Initially, I deemed the attacks against me unavoidable; after all, I am a teenage conservative and we’re told to expect this. One day, however, I realized the hateful rhetoric from my liberal counterparts was unjustifiable. Liberals claim themselves as the party of tolerance and open-mindedness, but that’s just until those with opposing views speak. Liberals claim to be champions for young people, minorities, and women, until a young minority woman such as myself rejects their policies. Then everything changes.

Liberal intolerance seems ever-present, but I know that there is a positive conservative movement growing among my generation as well. In talking to my friends, here are a few quotes from young conservatives throughout the country.

[lz_infobox]This piece is part of a CampusZette series exploring the culture, oddities and experiences of students on college campuses through their eyes.[/lz_infobox]

“Young conservatives understand that all are created equal and everyone has been given the same rights. Despite the harassment from the Left, young republicans refuse to let the message be about hate.” – 19-year-old conservative, Florida

“Being called mentally impaired solely because of my conservative values felt unreal; it is unfortunate our country has reached a point of such intolerance.” – 18-year-old conservative, Florida

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“To overcome liberal negativity, I focus on my success and stay humble. I focus on my relationship with God. I have my days when I’m not as strong, but I remember how God has blessed me with amazing people and opportunities, and that makes me stronger. We conservatives are brave and if liberals want to drag us down, we throw it to them with class and sass.” – 21-year-old conservative, Ohio

“Being attacked by liberals is a common occurrence for me. I have been spat at for not accepting the rhetoric of Bernie Sanders. I have even been shunned by some of my own family members. But that will never stop me from spreading the conservative movement.” – 20-year-old conservative, Texas

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Clearly, it is time to address this double standard. Young Republicans will no longer remain neutral and allow our party to be beat down by liberal hatred.

Editor’s note: Twitter handles have been cropped out to protect the identities of minors.