A wave of disappointment washed over students at Point Loma Nazarene University as their third attempt to launch a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter was once again rejected by the student government. The decision, delivered via email from the university president, felt like a silencing, according to Luke Cole, a third-year student and elected chapter secretary.
The core of the university’s concern centered on TPUSA’s “Professor Watchlist,” a project intended to document instances of perceived bias against conservative students. While applicants pledged non-participation, the university noted language in their proposal mirroring the watchlist’s stated goals – a practice deemed incompatible with fostering open dialogue between students, faculty, and administration.
Further complicating matters was the chapter’s connection to TPUSA Faith, an initiative focused on uniting religious communities and combating “wokeism.” University policy prohibits outside religious organizations from duplicating existing campus ministry efforts or utilizing university resources for their own programs.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Previous attempts to establish a TPUSA chapter at the university were also denied in 2021. Yet, the campus currently supports groups dedicated to gender equality and social justice, leading some students to question the consistency of the university’s approach.
For Ginger Friess, a first-year student, the desire to form a TPUSA chapter stemmed from a profound sense of loss and a yearning for truth. Inspired by the legacy of Charlie Kirk, she felt compelled to create a space for open conversation, particularly after witnessing reactions to his passing that deeply troubled her.
Brooklyn Stratton, the chapter’s elected vice president, echoed this sentiment, describing a feeling of being targeted as a conservative student. She envisioned the chapter as a vital community for those navigating similar experiences, a place to explore political viewpoints freely during formative college years.
The students aren’t backing down. Despite the setbacks, they are exploring the appeal process and planning to meet off-campus, determined to continue the conversation. They believe the university’s pursuit of neutrality is, in effect, taking a side – stifling the diversity of thought it claims to embrace.
“My school is really trying hard to stay neutral, but the way they’re staying neutral, really isn’t neutral at all,” Stratton stated, questioning whether the administration truly values a spectrum of perspectives. The students remain resolute, driven by a desire to advocate for their beliefs and equip fellow conservative students with a foundation rooted in faith.
Friess, whose grandfather was an early donor to TPUSA, articulated a broader vision: to cultivate compassionate individuals willing to boldly champion enduring values. This isn’t simply about politics; it’s about fostering a community where diverse viewpoints can coexist and contribute to a richer, more meaningful campus experience.
