Young Americans for Liberty

About Young Americans for Liberty

Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) is a libertarian, classical liberal and conservative[1] student activism organization headquartered in Austin, Texas. Formed in 2008 in the aftermath of the Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign, YAL establishes chapters on high school and college campuses across the United States, for the purpose of “advancing liberty on campus and in American electoral politics.”[2]

YAL was founded in 2008 at the end of Congressman Ron Paul’s first presidential campaign. Paul’s candidacy inspired students to organize on-campus under the banner of Students for Ron Paul. After the 2008 presidential election in November, the movement continued, soon becoming Young Americans for Liberty.[5][6]On May 23, 2019, YAL announced it would be moving its headquarters to Austin from Arlington, Virginia, saying that the group “doesn’t belong” in Washington, D.C. due to its “toxic environment,” and that it was a “rapidly growing organization” that needed more space in its headquarters.[7]

In January 2021, YAL removed its president, Cliff Maloney for serious allegations of sexual misconduct towards YAL employees.[8]

In May 2021, Lauren Daugherty became YAL’s new executive director.[9] Former Maine State Senator Eric Brakey assumed the role of senior spokesperson, while Sean Themea became YAL’s chief of staff.[10][11] Reed Cooley serves as the organization’s vice president of communications.

News Stories