A freshman at Loyola University New Orleans has vowed to continue efforts to establish a Turning Point USA chapter after the university’s Student Government Association rejected the application twice.Anistin Murray, who sought to serve as president of the proposed TPUSA chapter, addressed the issue during the organisation’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, describing a prolonged dispute with the Catholic university’s student leadership.Initial denial and appeal processMurray said she and two other students applied for official recognition but were denied by the SGA, beginning what she described as a months-long process. She explained that the group sought legal guidance from Loyola law students to challenge the decision. Ethan Estis, a law student involved in the appeal, said the rejection relied on “subjective reasoning,” as quoted by Fox News. He added in conversation with Fox News that the SGA failed to ground its decision in established rules.The appeal was upheld by the university’s Court of Review, sending the application back to the SGA. However, the same body again denied recognition. Murray told Fox News that student leaders claimed the group would cause discomfort and disruption, a characterisation she rejected. She said in conversation with Fox News that TPUSA was intended to promote dialogue rather than hostility.Claims of silencing and student discomfortMurray said the SGA argued it represented the majority of students but noted that some members supported granting the charter. She told Fox News that students who align with conservative values felt marginalised by the decision. Murray added that disagreement should not prevent civil discussion, according to Fox News.She explained that repeated questions during the review process focused on whether differing political views could coexist on campus. Murray said TPUSA encourages respectful debate, as quoted by Fox News, and does not seek to undermine other students.Plans to continue appealingDespite the repeated denials, Murray said the group was developing a plan to continue pursuing recognition. She told Fox News that she hoped to work within university guidelines while maintaining the group’s aims. “We are not backing down,” she said, quoted by Fox News, adding that the organisation was open to further dialogue.Murray said TPUSA reflects faith-driven values aligned with conservative principles and aims to contribute to campus learning. She told Fox News that critical discussion was central to university life.University response and next stepsA Loyola New Orleans representative said there was no limit on appeals and confirmed that students could pursue another review. The university said in a statement quoted by Fox News that no new materials had been submitted since the SGA president upheld the decision. The SGA has not responded to requests for comment, Fox News reported.
