Dr. Scott Behrens, who serves as the vice president for enrollment management and student success at Monroe County Community College, recently intervened to allow the formation of a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter despite the student government’s attempt to block it. The Student Government Association (SGA) had voted 8-3 against establishing the chapter. However, Behrens communicated through email with SGA President Marwan Arabudullah and the club’s advisor, Barry Kinsey, affirming his decision to officially recognize the group.
The university has delegated the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success the authority to approve student-led clubs and organizations. In a statement, Behrens noted that he made the decision to proceed with the TPUSA chapter after meeting with SGA representatives and discussing the proposal in depth with Kinsey.
He described a conversation during which the future club presidents underscored their commitment to equality and the rights of all students to engage in club activities and express their opinions freely. They also stressed the importance of holding accountable any members who infringe on others’ rights and adhering to university policies.
Interestingly, Behrens pointed out that Arabudullah and other student representatives supported his decision to override the SGA’s denial of the club. “I do not take this decision lightly, nor did I base it on personal politics. In fact, my views don’t always align with the national organization’s perspective. Yet, I believe their proposed constitution and membership fulfill the criteria for club formation. Organizations that differ from my beliefs should still have the right to exist on campus, provided they respect the rights of others,” he stated.
Monroe County Community College has not commented further on the situation.
In another instance, students at Ohio University have been facing backlash over their own TPUSA chapter, with reported actions of tearing down promotional materials and expressing hostility toward the group. This reflects an emerging trend in campuses across the country, especially after recent events involving TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed during a lecture at Utah Valley University on September 10th. Following his death, there has been a surge of interest in establishing TPUSA chapters at various educational institutions nationwide, indicating the organization’s growing influence and the charged atmosphere surrounding discussions of political ideology on college campuses.
