Fort Lewis College‘s student senate voted to block a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter on campus, prompting loud cheers from students who opposed the conservative organization. The vote has raised new concerns about free speech, ideological discrimination, and the treatment of conservative voices at public universities.
The student government, known as the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC), rejected the chapter’s request for official recognition after a lengthy meeting filled with emotional public comment. Over 30 students spoke against the group, with opponents claiming TPUSA would make marginalized students feel “unsafe.” ASFLC President Asa Worthington announced the rejection and stated the group’s application may be reconsidered at a later date.
Turning Point USA is a national conservative organization promoting free markets, limited government, and traditional American values. TPUSA has faced opposition on other college campuses from progressive activists who label the group as “hateful” or “divisive.” At Fort Lewis, a Change.org petition opposing the chapter gathered nearly 400 signatures.
Supporters of TPUSA argued that conservative students deserve equal representation and that the group should be treated like any other student organization. The rejection by ASFLC, they say, reflects a broader bias against conservative viewpoints, particularly on issues related to gender and faith.
Fort Lewis College is a public institution, and student organizations are expected to be recognized using viewpoint-neutral standards. Legal experts note that denying recognition based on political beliefs could violate the First Amendment. The college confirmed that TPUSA can appeal the decision, but its public statement did not address the issue of viewpoint neutrality.
