UPDATE: Students at Beloit College in Wisconsin allege their efforts to establish a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter are being thwarted by faculty and met with severe harassment. This troubling situation escalated after Jocelyn Jordan and her classmates applied on October 1, 2023 to form the chapter, only to face hostility and threats for their political beliefs.
Jordan claims that every faculty member they approached for support declined to assist, with one suggesting they create a different group entirely. The lack of support has left these conservative students feeling isolated and unsafe. “As a student, I should feel comfortable coming to campus no matter what beliefs I have,” she told Fox News Digital.
The students began promoting their club on social media in mid-October, which ignited a harassment campaign. Disturbing images circulated online, depicting Jordan and her co-founders as Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members. The campaign intensified with direct threats, prompting Jordan to file a police report. This action led to the banning of a primary harasser, an alumnus employed by the college.
Despite this, the university’s response has been criticized as inadequate. A vague email warning students against hateful rhetoric was sent weeks after complaints were made, failing to address the severity of the situation. Jordan expressed frustration, stating, “It took three and a half weeks for [Beloit College] to even address the situation.”
The harassment included a now-deleted Instagram account that mocked the TPUSA founders with graphic imagery and derogatory labels. Students reported over 75 hateful comments on their first post, with many attacking their physical appearance and political views. The hostile environment raises serious questions about freedom of expression on campus.
In response to the growing controversy, Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann has called on Beloit College to approve the TPUSA chapter. He stated, “Beloit College must approve the chapter and take immediate action to protect students from harassment and threats.” Current governor Tony Evers announced earlier this year his intention to retire, leaving a political vacuum that could influence the college’s decisions.
Beloit College released a statement to Fox News Digital asserting its commitment to fostering respectful inquiry and diversity of thought on campus. They denied blocking the students’ club formation and emphasized their adherence to campus policies regarding club requirements. The college claims to take all allegations of harassment seriously, which includes the recent threats directed at Jordan and her peers.
Jordan and her classmates remain determined to secure a faculty advisor and establish their TPUSA chapter. Their fight highlights the challenges conservative students face on campuses across the nation, where political bias can lead to intimidation and silencing.
As this situation develops, it underscores the urgent need for universities to uphold the principles of free speech and ensure all students feel safe expressing their beliefs. The eyes of the nation are on Beloit College as it grapples with these pressing issues.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
