Turning Point USA-affiliated chapter seeks recognition at Lawrence University

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - A debate over who gets official club status is unfolding at Lawrence University after Patriots of Faith, a student group affiliated with Turning Point USA, applied to become a recognized student organization.

The group is an official chapter with Turning Point USA, but is not officially affiliated with Lawrence University. A petition signed by at least 10 percent of students in mid-January triggered a campus-wide referendum to prevent the chapter from receiving recognition. The referendum ran from the beginning of February through Feb. 23, and the decision now rests with the student government.

What the chapter says it wants

Zach Currier, president of the chapter at Lawrence University, said the group has been a presence on campus since 2017 and was founded a couple of weeks after the death of Charlie Kirk.

“We came to the agreement that there was a lack of representation of conservative values on campus,” Currier said.

Turning Point USA is a national nonprofit that promotes conservative politics on high school and college campuses. Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University.

The chapter at Lawrence University currently has 18 members, including Currier and his vice president.

Currier said the group began meeting in early October, often in public spaces, because without official university recognition, they could not reserve campus rooms or hold events on university property. Official affiliation with the university would allow the group to host events and meetings on campus and make it eligible to receive university funding.

Currier said the push for recognition is about access, not funding.

“We don’t want any money,” Currier said. “We don’t want the money right now. We just want the opportunity for the presence on campus and the ability to do events and book the rooms on campus.”

Currier believes opposition to the group stems from name association rather than anything the chapter has done on campus — and that students have formed opinions based on how Turning Point USA has been portrayed in media and on social media. He said his goal is to allow students to hear both sides and decide for themselves.

“They have been painted in this light in the media and social media as certain things that may not necessarily be true,” Currier said. “With both sides present on campus, it gives an equal opportunity for the student to make up their minds for themselves.”

Students divided

Students at Lawrence University are split on the application.

Aidan Williams, a Lawrence University student, said he supports the opportunity for all viewpoints to be heard.

“I definitely think it’s good that he’s (Zach) expressing what he wants to do and expressing his views,” Williams said. “I think it’s fair that everyone should have a fair opportunity to speak on what they believe in and what they think is right.”

Williams added that limiting one perspective would not serve the campus community.

“I think definitely expressing all opinions and both sides of both parties or both views — not limiting one view — would be, I think, beneficial to the campus as a whole,” Williams said.

Another Lawrence University student, who asked not to be identified, said they have concerns about the group’s presence on campus.

“I personally am not comfortable with them being on campus,” they said. “I know what they represent, which to me is against my identity as a queer person, person of color, like just as part of marginalized communities. I feel pretty unsafe.”

The student said they voted in favor of the referendum, which they described as a measure to block LUCC funding — not a ban on the group’s presence.

“It wasn’t making a point to ban them from campus as they have advertised,” they said. “And obviously, a lot of people at this school don’t want them assembling here. That doesn’t mean they’re not allowed to, and they have been, and they will continue to. So I voted yes on the referendum because I don’t want the school financially supporting something that I don’t think is productive.”

What the Lawrence University Community Council has proposed

A resolution introduced in LUCC calls for the council to deny recognition to Patriots of Faith — or revoke it if recognition has already been granted — and to make the group ineligible for Lawrence University or LUCC funding.

The resolution cites concerns from students about whether the group’s affiliations, public messaging, and anticipated activities are consistent with Lawrence University’s mission. It also references concerns about the use of tools such as a “Professor Watchlist” associated with Turning Point USA leadership and affiliated chapters at other institutions, which the resolution states has been criticized for its potential to undermine academic freedom of faculty.

The resolution states that the action would not restrict the rights of individuals associated with the group to engage in peaceful expression or assembly on campus, provided such activities comply with university policies and applicable law.

The resolution also states LUCC reaffirms its commitment to recognizing student organizations representing a diversity of political viewpoints, provided such organizations operate in compliance with university non-discrimination policies, safety standards, and expectations for responsible campus conduct.

Lawrence University’s statement

Lawrence University tells Action 2 News the review and approval of student organization applications is constitutionally delegated to its student government, the Lawrence University Community Council, which follows established policies and procedures for all groups.

In a statement, the university said: “With respect to the student application of Patriots of Faith, who has an affiliation with Turning Point USA, the student organization recognition process is currently underway, and no decision has been made. Because the process is still in progress, we will not comment on the application itself. Current reporting that the University has already decided whether or not the group can become a recognized student organization is inaccurate.”

No vote on the resolution has been announced. If LUCC votes to deny recognition, Currier said he can appeal the decision.