Florida Law School Reverses Course, Will Allow TPUSA Chapter

Students at Barry University School of Law can form a Turning Point USA chapter—a decision that comes after the Florida attorney general publicly criticized the university’s decision to deny a request to create the campus group, Florida Voice reported. 

The private Catholic law school had reportedly told students last fall that the right-wing group’s “model of political advocacy and confrontation” is “inconsistent with the University’s educational philosophy” and that “the perspectives and methods associated with Turning Point USA do not support” the university’s mission. Interest in the organization surged after its founder Charlie Kirk was killed last fall.

Florida attorney general James Uthmeier said in an April 9 letter to the university that the denial amounted to “blatant viewpoint discrimination that violates the school’s professed policies and values and may raise consumer protection concerns.” He demanded a response by May 15.

The university told students last week that they could form a TPUSA chapter, according to Florida Voice. Uthmeier praised the reversal in a social media post, writing, “Great to see Barry Law School come around and provide its students with an opportunity to engage with and exchange diverse ideas.”

Barry University officials did not respond to Inside Higher Ed’s request for comment or more information on the decision.