Beloit College Faces Controversy Over Turning Point USA Chapter
A Republican congressman is expressing frustration after efforts to support a constituent who claims Beloit College is hindering the establishment of a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter on campus were seemingly dismissed by university officials. Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) is seeking clarity on the accusations that the college is obstructing students from creating this conservative club.
Concerns were raised by student Jocelyn Jordan, who alleged that the college inadequately addressed the harassment faced by her and her peers during their attempts to start the TPUSA chapter. Originally, the harassment featured offensive images posted on their new Instagram account, labeling them as Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members, which later escalated to threats.
“My office reached out to Beloit College to discuss this matter, and I was devastated by their response,” Van Orden stated on X. “This is simply unacceptable. Every student, no matter their political standpoint, deserves the right to organize, express themselves, and actively partake in campus life without fear of backlash.”
Investigation into Harassment Claims
Van Orden mentioned that his team contacted the office of the college president, Eric Boynton, to arrange a conversation. Initially, this was scheduled for later that same day. However, hours before the call, an attorney for the school informed congressional staff that Boynton would not attend, citing legal advice. Attempts by Van Orden to reach the attorney directly were unsuccessful as his calls went to voicemail. It appears he left a message seeking further clarification but has yet to receive a response.
In turn, the college spokesperson stated that they returned Van Orden’s call hours after his message, asserting that the congressman had previously engaged in a lengthy dialogue with representatives from the college. They emphasized that communication lines remained open and that Van Orden had not responded to their attempts to reach him.
The students’ push to establish a TPUSA chapter began in early October. The organization, founded by Charlie Kirk, aims to mobilize conservative students on campus, expanding its influence even into high schools.
Faculty Support and College Response
Jordan and her fellow students were informed that they needed to fulfill certain requirements to form the club, including appointing a faculty advisor. However, Jordan recounted that many staff members, including the dean, declined to assist. In fact, she stated that she was encouraged to form a different group without mentioning TPUSA.
Moreover, prominent members of the student government indicated that even if they secured a faculty advisor, the national organization’s actions did not align with the college’s “Student Cultural Statement” policy, potentially blocking their efforts.
In response to these claims, a Beloit College representative maintained that no faculty members obstructed the students from establishing the TPUSA chapter, confirming that all clubs must adhere to the same requirements and policies.
Jordan and her classmates began promoting their new club in mid-October, subsequently facing a wave of harassment. Initially, the university’s response to their concerns was minimal, claiming insufficient evidence to identify the perpetrators. However, once threats were made, Jordan filed a police report, which seemed to trigger more serious action from the university, culminating in the expulsion of one of the chief harassers, who was an alumnus employed on campus.
“As a student, regardless of your beliefs or identity, you should feel safe on campus. Right now, that’s not the case,” Jordan remarked.
The college has refuted claims of blocking the formation of the student club, reasserting its commitment to creating a respectful environment and fostering diverse viewpoints among its community members. They stated that they take allegations of harassment seriously and prioritize student safety and well-being within their educational setting.
