A new chapter in IWU’s history, a new chapter in an organization and a new chapter in the IWU student body, Turning Point USA opens a new chapter on Indiana Wesleyan’s campus, creating conversation among the student body.
The newest club on campus, Turning Point USA, is causing ripples and chatter throughout the community.
The chapter of the organization has only been existent on campus for a few weeks, yet opinions both for and against the chapter have become hardened and firm.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is more than often placed alongside and in cahoots with the Republican Party. Eli Lagrange, the vice president of IWU’s TPUSA Chapter, said the organization is in fact separate from all political parties.
Further, Lagrange said how one of the goals of the chapter is to create open conversation and a welcoming environment for political conversation”
Even with these goals in place, there is a gap that the organization is attempting to cross in throwing off the image that had been placed upon them.
Lagrange shared he hopes IWU has a different opinion on this chapter. He said that he hopes students do not base their belief of IWU’s Chapter off of other chapters.
Despite the deep roots, the Chapter’s impact within the student body is undeniable. The student body has been made to form opinions and ideas that weren’t previously there, an idea that isn’t looked fondly upon by some, but that is favored by others.
Dylan Brown, a sophomore, said he doesn’t believe that Jesus would be involved with any political party.
Brown said he is hesitant to, as a Christian school, have a political organization present on campus such as TPUSA.
Gavin Barnes, a freshman, said he believes that TPUSA will have a positive impact on student life and the student body.
“What TP [Turning Point] does well is while they are obviously supportive of some certain topics, they want people to talk,” Barnes said.
Barnes said he believes they will provide open air for civil conversations for students.
TPUSA is here and is here to stay, with goals to bring students closer with each other and provide a conversational atmosphere for all those who attend meetings.
