BELOIT — Chapters of the Turning Point USA organization recently have been approved at Beloit College and Hononegah Community High School.
The student-run branches have complied with school rule at both Beloit College and Hononegah, according to statement from each institution.
The Beloit College Turning Point USA chapter was approved Nov. 17 after it was found to be in compliance with all rules for student-run organizations.
A Club America chapter, an affiliate of Turning Point USA, was approved by the Hononegah Board of Education in Rockton on Nov. 19. Chapter president Kennlee Rayann spoke before the board initially about the chapter on Oct. 15.
Turning Point and its co-founder Charlie Kirk have become somewhat controversial because of conservative stances Kirk has voiced over the years at public appearances and on his podcasts.
In an email to Adams MultiMedia, Beloit College said several students expressed an interest in forming a Turning Point chapter.
“As an institution, Beloit College is committed to fostering respectful open inquiry and encouraging a diversity of perspectives on campus,” the email from Beloit College stated. “These students were directed to follow the process required of all students who wish to start a student club, in accordance with standard procedures at Beloit College. The Dean of Students and other staff met with the students and explained the procedure for forming a student club on campus. Any students wishing to start a student club are responsible for fulfilling all the necessary requirements to do so. Beloit College was never blocking these students’ path to club membership, and we have been in full accordance with campus policies.”
The students met all the requirements for forming the organization, including securing a faculty/staff advisor, and submitted their application. The student government committee that oversees club status reviewed the application, and ratified their application.
“Beloit College expects all members of our community to practice compassion and respect towards each other. We are an educational institution, and students learn best within a safe and vibrant campus environment,” the statement from the college said. “Maintaining that campus environment requires the thoughtful and respectful participation of all members of our community.”
Adams MultiMedia reached out to a member of the Beloit College Turning Point chapter starting in late October. At that point, the chapter member said permission was needed from the national office to talks to the media. After several phone calls and email exchanges, and an interview the member granted with a television station, Adams MultiMedia was able to make an appointment for an interview with a chapter member on Nov. 21. On the morning of Nov. 21, the member emailed saying they would not be doing any more media interviews at the request of the chapter president.
The member did say the purpose off the group is to provide students with opportunities to discuss and explore issues facing the nation and society.
Turning Point USA was co-founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery. Kirk was shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, now is Turning Point USA CEO.
The Turning Point USA website states the organization supports freedom, free markets and limited government.
Critics of the group say the organization and Kirk have voiced xenophobic, right-wing views that included conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election, and opposition to the Civil Rights Act.
