Eastern Illinois University (EIU) reversed the decision of its student government of denying a Turning Point USA chapter from being established on campus by making it a recognized student organization on Thursday.
According to Daily Eastern News, the student senate voted against having a campus TPUSA chapter on Wednesday, with some finding the organization lacking structure, others finding it in need of administrative approval.
However, Executive Vice President of the EIU Student Government Association’s (SGA) Mason Tegeler defended the students seeking to establish a TPUSA chapter.
“This group is a group of students who are passionate, who are seeking together on this campus as is their right to do,” Tegeler stated. “As a group, we try to set a good standard and model for the future. So, making bias [sic] decisions goes totally against that.”
Nonetheless, the university decided against the SGA ruling, finding it in violation of the university’s First Amendment obligations.
“On November 5, 2025, the Student Government Association (SGA) voted to not approve the creation of an EIU Chapter of Turning Point USA. The petitioning students met all requirements as outlined by University policy to create a Registered Student Organization (RSO),” the university said in a deciding statement.
“Based on institutional review of policy, prior practice, and relevant regulations, the decision, if allowed to stand, would violate EIU’s obligation under and commitment to the First Amendment. As SGA’s resolutions are advisory, effective immediately, the local chapter is a Recognized Student Organization, which is consistent with EIU’s institutional values,” the administration further ruled.
