Students hoping to start a conservative group at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point were told by student government officials earlier this month that their club was “dangerous” and promotes racism and hate speech. Only after threatening legal action and garnering support from a state lawmaker did college administrators step in and recognize the Turning Point USA chapter as an official student group.
Al Thompson, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, reviewed the student government’s no vote and superseded the decision by approving the student chapter.
A published statement read:
I asked SGA to reconsider its action on November 16, based on UW – Stevens Point and UW System policies recognizing student organizations, SGA guidelines on viewpoint neutrality and a UW Board of Regents policy on academic expression. In the absence of further SGA action on November 16, I have determined that Turning Point USA meets the requirements to be recognized as a student organization at UW-Stevens Point.
As an institution that values diversity and the freedom to explore all ideas, even unpopular ones, UW – Stevens Point remains committed to a learning environment that respects multiple viewpoints and ensures discourse is civil and our campus is safe for all.
Prior to the student government hearing, where the group was originally denied official status, Emily Strangeld, the TPUSA chapter leader, received threats from fellow students who hoped to intimidate her into shutting down the club.
When Strangeld went before the UWSP Student Government Association to make a case for having the Turning Point USA chapter approved — a process that normally takes five minutes or less — she was questioned for more than 45 minutes. In addition to baseless accusations that the group supports racism and hate speech, student government officials alleged that the group endangers members of the trans and gender fluid community.
Despite having all the required documentation, the TPUSA chapter was originally denied after a closed vote by the SGA following the hearings.
Wisconsin state Sen. Patrick Testin commented on the suppression of conservative views on campus, stating that the “decision stifles the free expression of ideas on campus and is antithetical to the mission of the university.”
That is when campus administrators stepped in.
“This sets a great precedent among conservative college students nationwide with beliefs perceived as unpopular on campus. If campuses judge ideas by how popular they are — students aren’t being exposed to diverse thought — the ultimate mission of higher education,” Timon Prax, TPUSA’s Midwest regional manager, told the Washington Examiner.
Turning Point USA is a nonpartisan organization, with more than 1,000 chapters nationwide, that equips students to advocate for the causes of free speech, limited government, and fiscal responsibility.
Devin Sena (@DevinSenaUI) is a Florida based photographer and journalist.
