Point Loma Nazarene University Rejects TPUSA Chapter Attempt Again

Students at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego made a third attempt to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), but once more, their request has been denied by the university’s Associated Student Body (ASB) Board of Directors.

The decision came via an email from President Kelly Fulcher, sent on November 5. “When I received that email, I felt silenced,” expressed Luke Cole, a junior who had been elected as the chapter secretary. “I felt like I couldn’t talk anymore.”

The ASB Board did not approve the motion after a review process, as noted in an email obtained by Fox News Digital. Concerns were raised about the organization’s “professor watchlist,” which aims, according to TPUSA’s website, to “expose and document” instructors who they feel discriminate against conservative students.

Fulcher pointed out in the email that although the applicants stated they wouldn’t participate in the watchlist, the language in their application closely resembled terms used on TPUSA’s site. “Such practices are inconsistent with ASB’s purpose of fostering constructive communication and interaction among students, faculty, and administration,” she wrote.

Further, the email highlighted that the proposed club intended to connect with TPUSA Faith, which aims to “unite the Church” and “eliminate Weitism.” Fulcher indicated that this intention violated the university’s church and parachurch policy.

This policy exists to prevent outside churches and mission groups from duplicating efforts already being conducted by campus mission teams, as Fulcher explained.

She stated that only the ASB Board has the power to approve or deny student-led organizations.

Interestingly, while PLNU features a “BREAK” club that focuses on gender equality, discussions on “privilege,” and “gender justice,” it also has a “Justice and Reconciliation Center” group that dives into “immigrant and racial justice,” allowing students to confront injustices in their communities.

Some students found the decision shocking. Freshman Ginger Freese mentioned she felt compelled to establish a TPUSA chapter following the death of Charlie Kirk. “For me, it was about finding the truth and creating a space for that on this campus,” she said, expressing her discomfort over students celebrating death on campus.

Brooklyn Stratton, a junior and the elected vice president of the proposed TPUSA chapter, expressed that young conservatives on campus felt marginalized after Kirk’s death. “I just wanted to create a community for other students,” she remarked, adding that denying people the chance to explore their political beliefs contradicts the concept of free speech.

This latest rejection marks the third time TPUSA has been denied approval, previously occurring twice in 2021, according to the student newspaper.

Laura Fleming, the vice president for communications and public relations at the university, assured that the school welcomes students from various backgrounds into a faith-based community. She emphasized that the rejection of the club application should not be seen as a rejection of conservative viewpoints or a shift away from the school’s Christian mission.

Freese noted her grandfather was an early donor to Turning Point USA, adding personal motivation to her efforts. “Ultimately, we want to create people who are full of love, people who have the courage to advocate for the eternal good of others,” she said, mentioning the goal of nurturing a heart for Christ among conservative students.

Despite the denial, students made it clear that their efforts would continue, indicating intentions to consider the appeals process and to meet off-campus. Stratton articulated a concern, saying, “My school tries very hard to remain neutral, but the way we maintain neutrality is actually not neutral at all. I wonder if the administration at Point Loma Nazarene University makes room for diversity of thought as well as diversity of being?”

Fox News Digital reached out to ASB President Kenzie Lopez and Director of Student Affairs Nathan Blanco for comments; however, Blanco declined to comment, and Lopez did not respond in time for publication.