Point Loma Nazarene University Students Face ASB Rejection for Turning Point USA Chapter
Students at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego have seen their third attempt to create a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter fall flat. This decision came from the Associated Student Body (ASB) Board of Directors and was communicated to students via an email from President Kelly Fulcher on Wednesday, November 5.
Luke Cole, a junior and the elected secretary for the prospective chapter, described his reaction: “When I got that email, I just felt this overwhelming silence. It was like I couldn’t express myself anymore.” The board’s decision followed a review process, as noted in the email that expressed apprehension about TPUSA’s Professor Watchlist, which aims to highlight academics seen as biased against conservative students.
Fulcher pointed out that although the applicants didn’t wish to be affiliated with the watchlist, their application contained phrases similar to those found on the TPUSA website. She indicated that such alignment was not in keeping with the ASB’s mission to enhance constructive dialogue among students, faculty, and administration.
The email also flagged the intention of the club to connect with TPUSA Faith, which seeks to “unite the Church” while attempting to “eliminate Weitism.” Fulcher stated that this was at odds with the university’s policies that govern church and parachurch organizations, meant to prevent outside entities from duplicating efforts already in place and misusing university resources.
Fulcher reminded students that only the ASB board has the jurisdiction to approve or deny student organizations. Interestingly, the university currently allows a “BREAK” club focused on gender equality, which addresses issues of “privilege” and “gender justice.” There’s also a “Justice and Reconciliation Center” that tackles immigrant and racial justice matters.
Students expressed their discontent following the decision. Ginger Freeze, a freshman, shared her feelings after Charlie Kirk’s recent passing, saying it motivated her to push for a TPUSA chapter. “For me, it was about uncovering the truth and setting up a space for it here,” she noted, adding that she found it upsetting to see students and faculty—who identify as Christians—celebrating human death on campus.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Stratton, a junior and newly elected vice president of the chapter, mentioned she felt a sense of targeting on campus in the wake of Kirk’s death. “I wanted to cultivate a community for fellow students. College is a crucial time for us, and not allowing a space for different political views feels like an infringement on free speech,” she said.
Notably, this marks the third rejection for the TPUSA chapter in as many years. Laura Fleming, the university’s vice president for communications, explained that the school aims to foster a community enriched by diverse backgrounds and that the recent decision shouldn’t be interpreted as a dismissal of conservative perspectives or the institution’s Christian ethos.
In her statement, she stressed that questioning the university’s identity or ASB leadership due to disagreements over club decisions doesn’t align with a Christian approach of engaging with truth and grace.
Freese mentioned her grandfather’s support for Turning Point USA back in 2012 as inspiration for her initiative. “We want to encourage love and courage to advocate for the good in others. It’s about nurturing a Christ-centered focus among conservative students,” she remarked.
Even after this setback, students remain determined. They’re contemplating an appeals process while considering meeting off-campus to discuss their plans for TPUSA. “It feels as though my school strives for neutrality, yet that often doesn’t feel neutral to me,” Stratton reflected, questioning whether the institution truly accommodates diverse viewpoints.
Attempts by Fox News Digital to reach ASB President Kenzie Lopez and Director of Student Affairs Nathan Blanco were met with silence from Blanc and no response from Lopez at the time of reporting.
