Worcester State University: Denial of Recognition of Turning Point USA

In February 2020, Worcester State University students Anthony Winship and Alvin Marchena appeared before the Student Government Association on behalf of their proposed student organization, a student chapter of Turning Point USA. After the presentation, they fielded questions from student senators concerning their views and the views of the national organization. On March 5, the student government notified Winship and Marchena that their club had been refused official university recognition because of the potential “negative impact on campus climate.” On March 16, FIRE wrote to Worcester State University President Barry M. Maloney, asking that the university ensure that its student organizations are considered for official recognition in a viewpoint-neutral manner. In June 2020, counsel for the university assured FIRE that TPUSA would be permitted to recruit members and plan events for the upcoming fall semester.