On the tree-lined campus of Loyola University New Orleans, student activism took an unexpected turn this week. In a spirited display of perseverance and advocacy, the Student Government Association’s (SGA) decision to reject Turning Point USA’s request to become an official campus organization has been overturned after a student court appeal.
It all started when the newly-formed Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter—a conservative advocacy group with a growing presence on college campuses—looked to plant its flag at Loyola. Meeting every formality required, from paperwork to mission statements, the group thought it was ready for a green light. But in a tense October 15th meeting, the SGA said “no,” citing concerns about campus climate, student safety, and even asking for a detailed budget, even though TPUSA would be funded by its national offices.
But the story didn’t end there.
Not content to take the decision lying down, TPUSA student leaders filed an appeal—with a little help from two law school allies. According to a document obtained by Fox News Digital, the student Court of Review found the original vote didn’t meet the university’s standards for fairness and transparency. “The Court finds that an executive session was not formally called, and therefore individuals not specified in the bylaws should have exited the room alongside Turning Point USA Loyola representatives,” the decision explained. That wrinkle meant the vote didn’t meet Loyola’s open-meeting requirements.
More importantly, the court called out the SGA’s reasoning. “Safety” and “campus climate” weren’t valid grounds for stopping TPUSA from joining the roster of recognized student groups, the court said. Nor was it fair to demand a detailed budget, given the group’s outside funding.
For Ethan Estis, one of the supportive law students who helped file the appeal, the court’s decision was a clear win. “I am incredibly proud of the Loyola University Turning Point USA student leaders, who remained determined and confident in their position—their resilience is contagious,” Estis said after the news broke. “The Court of Review made the right decision here—upward and onward for these student leaders and for all students who have an opportunity for their voice to be heard at Loyola!”
So what’s next for the campus chapter? The SGA will vote yet again on whether to grant official status—the date for that is still up in the air. But whatever the outcome, the TPUSA students proved that persistence and advocacy still make a difference on campus, and that everyone—regardless of political leaning—deserves a fair shot.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this ongoing story of campus life, student engagement, and the power of speaking up.