The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has officially approved a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, overriding the decision of its Student Government Association (SGA) which had previously denied the group’s request for recognition. The administration’s move reinforces the principle that constitutional rights to free association and speech cannot be obstructed by campus politics.
The SGA voted to reject the conservative student group on September 24, citing vague concerns about “hate speech” and alleged divisiveness. The vote triggered backlash from students, alumni, and constitutional advocates who argued that denying recognition based on ideological grounds violates the university’s obligations under the First Amendment.
Following the rejection, university officials received a letter from attorney Robert Barnes threatening legal action if the denial was not overturned. Barnes cited binding legal precedent affirming that student organizations must be recognized without viewpoint discrimination. UTC’s Office of Student Affairs quickly clarified that only university administration has the final authority to approve or deny student groups.
In an official statement, the university affirmed its commitment to free speech and announced that TPUSA would be fully recognized. The administration acknowledged that while the SGA’s input is considered, it does not possess veto power over official recognition. UTC Dean of Students Dr. Terry Deneka and Chancellor Steven Angle confirmed that the TPUSA chapter would move forward under university policy.
Sophie Fuller, president of the new UTC TPUSA chapter, said the organization will promote open dialogue and conservative values on campus. TPUSA’s founding by conservative activist Charlie Kirk—recently killed at a debate event in Pennsylvania—has fueled renewed interest in the group’s mission across college campuses nationwide.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s decision reflects a growing trend where administrators must step in as student governments seek to suppress conservative voices under the guise of inclusivity or safety.
