Some students say they are questioning Congresswoman Mary Miller’s character after comments made Jan. 5 in which the representative said “Hitler was right on one thing” regarding the importance of the youth in politics.

During a speech for Moms for America, Miller quoted Hitler, saying, ““If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’”

Diana Argueta, a junior graphic design, called Miller’s words unacceptable.

“I can see the point she was trying to make but she glorified a man who led a genocide.  If she sees something that Hitler was ‘right’ about then she should resign effective immediately. The youth does represent the future, but most of today’s youth is for BLM & basic human rights, that’s left wing radical…” Argueta said. “…What kind of ideas and idealization does she want the youth to follow if it isn’t basic human rights?”

Makenna Boyd, a junior English language arts major, said she was surprised by the representative’s words and disappointed in Miller’s statement that followed the speech.

“My first reaction was shock. Who in their right mind would think that saying Hitler was right about one thing is a good idea? No matter the circumstances this is not O.K.  When I first heard about it, I was hoping that it was taken out of context. But in what context is this O.K.? None. So, I looked it up and realized it was just as bad as I thought. I still can’t believe she thought just mentioning Hitler in her speech was a good idea. Her apology just blamed the audience for taking it out of context. But again, in no context was that O.K.”

Miller released the following after receiving backlash for the speech:

“Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness.”

Trevor Huffman, a sophomore music performance major, said he understood the point Miller was attempting to make but did not agree with the execution.

“From my understanding, I can tell she was trying to get some point across. However, I think she could have done it in a better way without references from Adolf Hitler. After all, the time of Hitler was a very dark and tragic time for many communities and countries,” Huffman said. “While she may have not meant any harm, I think it is still quite inappropriate to use references from him.”

Argueta said she believes Miller should resign.

“She should resign, Illinois can’t have someone like that representing Illinois. Even though she apologized, it still does not make it okay to have a slim acceptance for what Hitler believed in or preached…” Argueta said. “…Remove her.”

Boyd agreed, saying she does not understand how some people are not upset Miller’s speech.

“I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and account for the fact that everyone makes mistakes, but something like this is not just a mistake. It’s terrible, hurtful, and appalling. No one in their right mind would think to reference Hitler in their speech. Therefore, I think she should resign/be removed from office. No one wants to be represented by someone who doesn’t have the common sense to not reference Hitler in their speech. I think what happened is absolutely atrocious and it is completely valid for people to be upset and angry. Frankly, I don’t understand how people are not upset about this,” Boyd said. “What happened was not okay and she should face repercussions for her actions.”

Huffman said he does not believe Miller should resign.

“While it was disturbing that she would reference someone like Hitler, I do not think she meant any real harm” Huffman said. “I think the fact that she addressed and apologized for her actions is good enough for me.”

Kyara Morales-Rodriguez, Theo Edwards and Emilee Tosh contributed to this article.

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].