UPDATE: A conservative student at Beloit College in Wisconsin has raised alarm bells after claiming that the college is actively blocking her efforts to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Jocelyn Jordan and her peers allege they have faced harassment and threats in their quest to form the club.
On October 1, 2023, Jordan and her classmates initiated the process to launch the TPUSA chapter, a group founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk. However, every faculty member approached for support, including the dean of students, has reportedly refused to assist them, according to Jordan. She claims she was even advised to create a different group that does not carry the TPUSA name.
The situation escalated when Jordan began promoting the proposed club on social media in mid-October. This led to a vicious harassment campaign, with students being labeled as “Nazis” and “White supremacists.” Disturbing images were posted on their new Instagram page, which included threats against the students involved. The harassment intensified, prompting Jordan to file a police report after threats began to surface.
Jordan stated, “As a student, I should feel comfortable coming to campus no matter what beliefs I have. I don’t feel comfortable,” emphasizing the lack of timely action from the college. Despite the seriousness of the threats, she noted that it took three and a half weeks for the college to respond adequately to their concerns.
In response to the harassment, the college ultimately banned one individual from campus who was linked to the threats, an alumnus connected to campus food services. However, Jordan criticized the administration’s response as insufficient, describing an email sent by the college as “vague” and lacking in decisive action.
The email, which warned students against hateful rhetoric, mentioned an incident involving imagery portraying fellow students as “dangerous radicals.” Jordan expressed frustration over the college’s slow response, stating, “It took them weeks to address the situation, and that doesn’t give me much hope for how this will turn out for Turning Point.”
In addition to banning the harasser, Beloit College issued a statement affirming its commitment to fostering an environment of open inquiry and diverse perspectives, insisting that it is not blocking the establishment of the TPUSA chapter. The college emphasized that all student organizations must adhere to the same requirements.
Jordan and her classmates remain determined to secure a faculty advisor and establish the TPUSA chapter. In light of the ongoing challenges, Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann has publicly supported the students, urging Beloit College to approve the chapter and take action against harassment.
Schoemann stated, “Beloit College must approve the chapter and take immediate action to protect students from harassment and threats. Anything less is a failure of leadership.”
With the situation continuing to unfold, the students of Beloit College are bracing for further developments as they strive to ensure their voices are heard on campus. Jordan’s fight for the TPUSA chapter is not just about establishing a club; it represents a broader struggle for free expression and safety for conservative viewpoints in academic settings.
The potential for further backlash and the students’ resolve in the face of adversity highlights the urgent need for dialogue and action regarding campus safety and political discourse. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.