Baldwin Wallace University denied a Turning Point USA chapter from becoming a recognized student organization, in what appears to be a current trend among US universities toward the organization.
Grace Pruchnicki, a student who has endeavored to get a chapter started, commented on the student government’s decision, which was made by a vote of 3-16-1. According to Campus Reform, Pruchnicki has faced pushback over her efforts since October.
“Our president of the university has been trying to work with us, but we still do not feel heard or that the university has been taking our concerns seriously about the harassment we have faced,” Pruchnicki told Fox News.
Baldwin Wallace University president Lee Fisher stated his support for the chapter while acknowledging his limitations in the approval process.
“In keeping with these values, I support the approval of the proposed Turning Point USA chapter,” Fisher stated to Fox News. “While this reflects BW’s shared commitment to free expression, it is my personal perspective. It is neither the official position of the university nor an endorsement of any particular viewpoint.”
According to the university, “This decision was made following an open forum where approximately 40 students attended. Prior to the discussion and deliberation, Dean of Students Dr. Léna Crain commended the students gathered for using expressive activity and student government as a means of productively sharing their perspectives.”
Other states, such as Texas, have ensured TPUSA chapters–at K-12 schools–can be established at without student or administrative pushback.
