Petition started by Berea College students asking school to not endorse proposed Turning Point USA chapter

A petition is circulating at nearby Berea College in Eastern Kentucky to urge fellow students to rally against a Turning Point USA chapter being established.

A published report by Berea College News & Radio said a student posted fliers around campus last week that sought a faculty advisor to a potential TPUSA group.

The feedback from Berea alumni on social media has been split with former students calling for equal representation and giving the Turning Point group a voice if requested. Five years ago, Berea administrators stressed free speech and the exchange of ideas when a student group hosted an anti-President Trump forum.

Berea Media Relations Manager Jodi Whitaker sent Bristol Broadcasting the following statement on the Turning Point development:

“Berea College values our students and their voices, and we are committed to fostering an educational environment where students feel free to thoughtfully engage with a wide range of ideas and perspectives while treating one another with dignity and respect. At this time, the College has not received an application or other formal request regarding the establishment of this student organization. As with any prospective student organization, should an application be submitted, it would be considered through the College’s established process for Registered Student Organizations.”

Berea is known for its tuition-free experience that requires students to work at least 10 hours per week in a campus department to cover the cost of room, board, and materials.

(GRAPHIC: Property of Berea College, Berea, Kentucky)