WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Fort Lewis College’s TPUSA Chapter Enrollment Stalls Amid Retaliation Fears
WHY IT MATTERS
The stagnant enrollment signals a campus climate that may suppress conservative voices, limiting political dialogue and affecting the diversity of viewpoints represented in student governance and policy debates.
What happened
Fort Lewis College’s Turning Point USA chapter has seen its membership numbers remain flat, according to chapter president Rachel Cook, who says students fear ostracism and potential retaliation for holding conservative views. Cook, who took over the group after a contentious student‑government vote, reports incidents of harassment, including a member being spat on and signs being ripped.
Despite these concerns, the college spokesperson confirmed no formal harassment reports this academic year and reiterated its commitment to student safety. The chapter’s quiet growth follows a national surge in TPUSA interest after the September 2025 assassination of co‑founder Charlie Kirk, which drew over 120,000 student inquiries.
Cook plans to focus on policy discussions and upcoming Second Amendment events, but the stagnant enrollment underscores a campus climate that may deter conservative participation.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Colorado college TPUSA chapter enrollment stagnant amid fears of retaliation against conservatives
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