Loyola University Student Vows to Continue Fight for Turning Point USA Chapter

PHOENIX — Anistin Murray, a freshman at Loyola University New Orleans, has pledged to persist in her efforts to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) on campus, despite facing setbacks from the university’s student government. Murray’s determination was highlighted during her appearance at the conservative organization’s annual AmericaFest conference.

Why It Matters

This development underscores ongoing debates surrounding free speech and the presence of conservative organizations within American colleges. Murray’s case raises questions about the boundaries of student governance and the role of universities in facilitating diverse ideological dialogues.

Key Developments

• Murray, along with two co-founders, was initially denied a charter for the TPUSA chapter by the student government association (SGA) on October 15.
• Following their denial, law students from Loyola assisted in drafting an appeal, arguing that the decision was based on “subjective reasoning.”
• The appeal was successful in the school’s Court of Review but was later remanded to the SGA, which again rejected the charter in December.
• The SGA cited concerns about potential discomfort and negativity among students as reasons for its decision.
• Murray maintains that the organization is not meant to promote hatred, but rather to foster dialogue.
• The university has indicated that there is no limit to how many times students can appeal, leaving the door open for further attempts.

Full Report

Murray expressed her disappointment following the second denial from the SGA, emphasizing that the organization’s mission is rooted in civil discourse, not animosity. “Just because people disagree with us does not mean that there needs to be uncivil discourse,” she stated during the conference in Phoenix. She reiterated her commitment to work with the university to find a constructive pathway forward while adhering to its guidelines.

The student government has faced criticism for what some see as a suppression of differing viewpoints. Murray noted that there are students who support the establishment of a TPUSA chapter at Loyola, suggesting that the SGA’s stance does not reflect the views of the entire student body.

Citing the necessity for critical deliberation on campus, Murray called for a more inclusive environment where various ideological perspectives can coexist. “These people who are against us need to understand that just because they’re against us, we’re not against them,” she concluded.

Context & Previous Events

Initially denied on October 15, Murray and her peers sought assistance from law students in drafting an appeal based on the SGA’s subjective reasoning. After their appeal gained traction in the Court of Review, the SGA voted again in December, resulting in another denial. The university has stated that students may pursue additional appeals in the future, though no new materials have been submitted since the last SGA decision.