Lawrence University community council approves Turning Point USA chapter

APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Lawrence University confirmed Friday that its Community Council approved the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, known as Patriots of Faith, to be on campus.

Patriots of Faith, a student group affiliated with Turning Point USA, applied to become a recognized student organization earlier this year.

The university released a statement on Friday:

The Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) approved the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter, known as Patriots of Faith. The approval went through the standard student-led shared governance process that is used for evaluating all potential student organizations at Lawrence University.

Lawrence University is deeply committed to free speech and the open exchange of ideas. We strive to create an environment where all students feel empowered to express their beliefs and engage in respectful dialogue, without fear of ridicule or harassment. We want to express our appreciation for the diligent work, integrity, and commitment to respectful discussions from all involved in this process.

Lawrence University is a steward of place and people. We seek to strengthen our community and prepare our students to lead. Lawrence University graduates are trained to think critically, solve problems creatively, and innovate boldly to contribute positively to our society as a whole. This student-led process is an example of how Lawrence University prepares its students for future roles in life after graduation.

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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.

In our previous report, 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.

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.

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.