The Iowa Federation of College Republicans released a statement on Oct. 31 regarding the denial of the conservative group by Drake University’s Student Senate.
According to the release, the Student Senate denied Turning Point USA in an executive session.
“Drake University is known for its hostility to conservative ideas,” the release said. “As they recently accepted Drake Comrades, a ‘leftist’ student organization. This should serve as a reminder to prospective, current and former students of Drake University that if they lean, even slightly conservative that Student Senate does not have their interest at heart.”
The release alleges that the Student Senate prefers to shield students from hearing right-of-center viewpoints.
“We hope that Drake University’s administration and faculty will rally behind their principles of ‘[providing] an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.”
The Drake Student Senate release a statement as well.
“After a brief introduction of the motion and presentation by student representatives of Turning Point USA, the Student Senate voted to move the meeting into execution session,” said Student Body president Nicholas Johnston. “During Thursday’s executive session, the motion to approve Turning Point USA’s RSO status was denied. This decision was made after comprehensive dialogue and was made solely by the members of the Student Senate, separate from any outside influences or groups.”
Johnston said they encourage students involved in organizations that are denied to continue to exercise their rights and re-apply for RSO status when they see fit.
