Illinois Institute of Technology: Turning Point USA Chapter Denied Recognition Based on Viewpoint

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Illinois Institute of Technology

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In October 2020, two students presented a proposal to Illinois Tech’s student senate to start a Turning Point USA chapter at the university. The chapter was denied recognition after student senators cited “problematic occurrences of systemic racism” and “controversies with several activists, speakers, and supporters of” the TPUSA national organization. The students later withdrew a second attempt to start a chapter of the organization. In a July 22 letter, FIRE echoed concerns first raised by the Southeastern Legal Foundation, explaining that Illinois Tech’s promises of freedom of expression preclude the institution from discriminating against student organizations based on their perceived viewpoints. Illinois Tech did not respond to FIRE’s letter.

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