Turning Point USA Chapter at the Univ. of Tennessee (Chattanooga) approved, despite opposition from student government
From Chattanooga Times Free Press (Mason Edwards):
“While the Student Government Association may express its opinions, recognition of student organizations is determined by the UTC Dean of Students and Chancellor,” UTC spokesperson JAy Blackman said in an emailed statement. “Turning Point USA was authorized in accordance with university policy and the law.”
The Student Government Association refused approval of the organization in a vote Tuesday. The vote served as a recommendation to the Dean of Students’ office.
Public universities I can’t deny recognition of student groups or other generally available benefits based on the group’s point of view: “The State may not…discriminate against speech on the basis of…point of view.” And this is true even if the group were free to operate outside the benefits program: “If restrictions on access to a limited public forum are discriminatory, a group’s ability to exist outside the forum would not cure the constitutional lacuna.” »
