Image Credit: Harrison Keely / CC & TPUSA
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Chapter has been approved at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) in accordance with university policy and the law despite pushback from the Student Government Association (SGA).
The UTC Dean of Student’s Office approved the chapter of the conservative organization even though the SGA denied approval after a vote earlier this week. While the vote served as a recommendation to the Dean of Students Office, UTC spokesman Jay Blackman stated that the decision to approve student organizations ultimately rests with the dean of students and chancellor.
Chapter President Sophie Fuller, on whom Charlie Kirk had a big impact, said that plans to bring TPUSA to UTC started back in March with just a sign and herself. Fuller said that the goal for the organization is to bring open dialogue to the campus based on the core principles of free speech, free markets, and limited government.
Fuller also vowed to bring “nothing but peace” to the campus, saying that many students at UTC have fallen prey to misinformation about TPUSA and its founder Charlie Kirk who was assassinated last month on the campus of a university in Utah.
Some students at UTC who opposed the approval of TPUSA said that they would not feel safe with the organization’s presence on campus. Others feel that campus leadership is disregarding what the majority of students at UTC wish to see and giving them no voice.
A student, or student group, that wants to establish an organization on campus must submit several documents including a mission statement. Fuller had all documents in order prior to the SGA vote and says that those who voted no were doing so based on their feelings, and not actual facts.
UTC’s Civic Engagement say that the approval of TPUSA is an injustice that must be met with justice and that they will oppose the decision “peacefully and respectfully.”
Sources:
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/oct/09/turning-point-chapter-okd-at-utc
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/oct/08/utc-student-government-denies-turning-point-usa
https://www.chattanoogan.com/2025/10/8/509656/Turning-Point-Chapter-Approved-By-Dean.aspx
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
