PHOTO: Lawrence University
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Patriots of Faith, the proposed Turning Point USA chapter on the Lawrence University campus, has been officially recognized following months of debate.
Turning Point USA is an organization that advocates for conservative positions at high schools and colleges across the United States. One of its founders, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed last year while speaking at a university in Utah.
Patriots of Faith faced pushback from students in the form of a referendum in February, although it failed to receive enough votes and was tossed out.
Earlier this year, LU President Laurie Carter cleared up misconceptions about the process of approving the chapter. Carter said the decision was in the hands of the Lawrence University Community Council, a student organization. University staff members and faculty were not involved in the decision.
Official recognition means the group can request funding from the university. Carter said even if a group isn’t officially recognized, it can still meet on campus.
Patriots of Faith chapter president Zach Currier met says he was surprised the group had been formally recognized.
“To see the backlash that we got and to see what we had to go through to get our foot in the door to begin with, I honestly thought we would not come as far as we have. Luckily, we’ve come together. We’ve stuck it through,” he said.
Currier said now that Patriots of Faith is officially recognized by Lawrence University, it’s time to get to work.
“We’re going to establish a relationship with our Lawrence community, with our peers. Get those conversations going, get that community outreach going. Establish our presence on campus,” he said.
Currier graduates in November, but he’s looking forward to working with the group to ensure it has a long-lasting impact on the Lawrence community.
“Amongst the group, we’re excited to see what this next chapter holds with the upcoming leadership,” he said. “Celebrate our seniors, and let’s move on with the next chapter.”
Lawrence University released a statement Friday regarding the recognition of Patriots of Faith. Officials said the group went through the standard process for group approval. You can read the full statement below:
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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