Students at Monmouth University have begun the preliminary process to seek official recognition for a new chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student organization, prompting discussion among student groups, faculty, and student government about political engagement, free speech, and campus climate. According to Student Government Association (SGA) President Brendan Sheehan, the group has submitted an initial interest group form, but has not yet submitted a club constitution or additional documentation required for formal recognition.
“We evaluate all interest groups in the same way,” Sheehan said. “Once we receive an official interest group form, an SGA advisor and the SGA attorney general meet with the group and help guide them through the process of developing a constitution. Once that is submitted for review, the SGA Club Approval Committee votes on whether or not to approve the group as an official student organization.”
Sheehan made it clear that the proposed Turning Point chapter remains in the early stages of the approval process and that no final decision has been made. He added that the SGA does not approve or deny political organizations based on ideology.
“Historically, colleges and universities have been the bedrock of freedom of speech and thoughtful exchange of ideas,” Sheehan said. “It is not the role of the SGA to approve or deny political organizations based on our personal views.”
One faculty member, however, took a simpler view. Political science professor Kenneth Mitchell, the department chair, said, “Sounds like free speech to me.”
Lorelai Hilarczyk, a senior communication major and Entertainment Editor of The Outlook, said she is the hopeful president of the proposed Turning Point chapter and described the effort as rooted in encouraging respectful political dialogue on campus. She intends to emphasize free speech, fiscal responsibility, and free markets.
“I want Monmouth students to learn how to respectfully, kindly, and confidently articulate their beliefs,” Hilarczyk said. “With so much divide and tension, it’s important we come together and learn from our differences.”
If approved, Hilarczyk said the chapter would host tabling events featuring informational materials, guest speakers, election watch parties, and charitable initiatives, including support for first responders. She also said she hopes to collaborate with existing student political organizations.
“I would love to see a charity-based event hosted with both the campus Republican and Democrat clubs,” Hilarczyk said. “An event with both those clubs would really unite the campus in such a positive way.”
Addressing criticism surrounding Turning Point USA’s national reputation, Hilarczyk said a Monmouth chapter would operate under both university policies and its own constitution.
“TPUSA does not tolerate violence of any kind, and it goes against their founding constitution,” she said. “Following the constitution of this chapter, combined with Monmouth’s guidelines, is really important for ensuring that discussions on campus are productive.”
She also sought to distinguish a Monmouth chapter from controversies involving the organization at other universities.
“We aren’t following the word of social media or mainstream political commentators,” Hilarczyk said. “We are dealing with facts, our chapter constitution, TPUSA’s guidelines, and our United States Constitution.”
Reaction from existing student political organizations has been mixed. Brandon Alvarado, president of the Monmouth University College Democrats, said the organization has concerns about how the proposed chapter could affect campus climate.
“The College Democrats remain steadfast in ensuring all Hawks fly together and our campus remains a welcoming environment,” Alvarado said.
Owen Bros, an outreach coordinator for the College Democrats, offered a more detailed critique, arguing that Turning Point USA’s national activities raise concerns about polarization on college campuses.
“Turning Point’s mission of ‘free speech’ is a lie,” Bros said.
Bros cited the organization’s Professor Watchlist, a database maintained by Turning Point USA that lists professors the group claims discriminate against conservative students, describing it as divisive. He added that the SGA should consider the broader implications of approving political organizations that may contribute to campus division.
By contrast, Mark Volpe, chair of the Monmouth University College Republicans, said his organization welcomes the formation of a Turning Point chapter while acknowledging potential complications.
“The Monmouth University College Republicans welcome Turning Point onto campus and encourage free speech and students’ rights to express their beliefs,” Volpe said.
Volpe described the relationship between the two organizations as both complementary and competitive, noting that while Turning Point could increase conservative engagement, it may also create confusion among students.
“I do share concerns that Turning Point could pose to be controversial,” Volpe said, adding that the organization often embraces confrontation. “This confrontational nature will serve to be one of the key differences between Turning Point and College Republicans here on campus.”
Despite those concerns, Volpe said increased political engagement could be a positive outcome.
“More students getting involved and standing up for what they believe in is a beautiful thing,” he said.
The SGA requires all student organizations to include anti-discrimination language in their constitutions and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. Sheehan said these standards are intended to ensure that all recognized clubs contribute positively to campus life.
“I hope that every one of our political groups continues to use their platform to further the principles of free speech and peaceful debate while respecting the experiences and voices of those who disagree with them,” Sheehan said.
As of Feb. 2, no club constitution has been submitted, and no decision regarding the recognition of a Turning Point USA chapter at Monmouth University has been announced.
