At Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, supporters of Turning Point USA are collaborating with undergraduates who want to establish chapters of the conservative organization. Recently, on October 15, the university’s Student Government Association (SGA) Senate prohibited the Turning Point Chapter from being officially recognized. This decision has sparked a nationwide reaction, leading two law students to assist in drafting an appeal to the SGA.
According to Ethan Estis, a law student, it seems unfair for the SGA to decide whether students have access to an organization. He pointed out that similar rejections of Turning Point chapters are happening elsewhere in the country. Estis has a background with Turning Point, having acted as their field representative during his undergraduate years at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
“This situation really resonated with me. I wanted to contribute in any way possible,” Estis remarked. He mentioned that he spoke with a current field representative of Turning Point, who connected him to the undergraduate students involved.
Estis criticized the SGA’s rationale for rejecting the charter, claiming it was based on subjective reasoning rather than solid legal grounds. “Their arguments didn’t rely on specific laws or regulations,” he stated, emphasizing that these were more about perceptions than facts. He feels strongly that Turning Point’s principles—like advocating for free markets and limited government—aren’t inherently aligned with Christianity, which some SGA members used to justify their opposition.
On the other hand, a student named Rosalina Framboise argued that Turning Point should not have a place on the Jesuit Catholic campus, referencing statements made by the group’s late founder that she finds offensive.
The SGA Review Court at Loyola has decided to look over the students’ appeal and aims to give a verdict on the chapter’s status by November 21. Estis expressed hope that the court could either overturn the SGA’s decision or send it back for reconsideration.
As they wait for the outcome, Estis remarked that he doesn’t think it should be within the SGA’s power to deny official status to a group meeting university requirements. “Limiting campus organizations based on subjective reasons doesn’t seem right to me,” he added.
Loyola University maintains that it supports the procedures laid out in its Student Government Handbook and insists that Turning Point is navigating the same path as any other student group. A university representative reinforced their commitment to fostering an environment of equity and respect for diverse perspectives, in line with their Jesuit educational mission.
