Politics in Portsmouth have been running hot all year. First came the fiery debate over whether the city should declare itself a “transgender sanctuary city,” a proposal that drew packed council chambers before ultimately failing. Then, the city found itself caught up in the saga of the stolen Democratic bench — a 400-pound concrete seat whose disappearance became a rallying cry for local Democrats. Now, Shawnee State University is the next flashpoint, as students launch a petition to block the creation of a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter on campus.
The Petition
The petition, circulated on Change.org, has so far drawn 89 student signatures. Sources say it is being promoted by the Young Democrats of Shawnee State, the same student group that pushed the earlier sanctuary city resolution.
In their petition, students argue that TPUSA’s presence would “foster an environment that promotes homophobia, transphobia, and racism,” and urge the SSU Board of Trustees to deny the group official recognition. They cite research suggesting inclusive policies improve student satisfaction and success rates.
Turning Point USA Explained
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA is a national conservative student organization that advocates for free markets, limited government, and conservative values. Known for its high-profile events and outspoken leadership, TPUSA has often attracted controversy and protest. Critics accuse the group of promoting divisive rhetoric, while supporters say it gives conservative students a much-needed voice on largely liberal campuses.
The Shawnee State petition comes shortly after the death of TPUSA’s founder, Charlie Kirk, who built the group into a prominent force in student politics. His passing has intensified debate over whether his organization should continue to expand into new schools.
A City Already on Edge
The petition unfolds against a backdrop of political tension unique to Portsmouth. The transgender sanctuary city proposal earlier this year put the city at the center of state-level culture wars. Soon after, the theft of a Democratic advertising bench — which carried the slogan “You’re not the only Democrat in the County” — became both a symbol of division and a fundraising rally for Democrats in a county otherwise dominated by Republicans.
That stolen bench was eventually recovered, but not before its disappearance fueled weeks of social media sparring and speculation about politically motivated vandalism.
What’s Next
With Shawnee State now in the spotlight, the question is whether the Board of Trustees will allow TPUSA to form a chapter on campus. Petition organizers say keeping the group out is a matter of student safety and inclusivity.
From council chambers to campus sidewalks, Portsmouth’s political stage has only widened. First came the debate over sanctuary status, then a vanishing bench, and now a student petition — proof that in this city, politics shows up everywhere, even in the places you sit.
