Update: The controversy over a petition to block a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Shawnee State University has deepened — with 95 signatures now on the Change.org petition and new statements from student leaders.
Student Democrats Respond
Earlier reports suggested the petition was promoted by the Young Democrats of Shawnee State, the same group that supported the failed transgender sanctuary city resolution earlier this year. But the Student Democrats are pushing back on that claim.
“Our organization has had nothing to do with the petition,” said Landen Puckett, speaking on behalf of the group.
Still, Puckett confirmed that TPUSA has been attempting to establish itself at SSU — and said the group has already violated school policies in the process. “This includes raising money while saying they are a university organization when they are not. They are in fact not a university organization. Therefore, the money they have raised has been falsely advertised. The university is taking steps to work that situation out.”
Speaking personally, Puckett added: “We invite and welcome all organizations. However, we cannot welcome an organization that is derogatory and hateful to minorities. They also have a professor watch list. Any professor that disagrees with their ideology will be in danger because of this group.”
Puckett concluded his comments by saying “SSU Dems are hopefully working with TPUSA, despite our differences.”
The Petition
The petition itself has gained momentum, growing to 95 signatures. It argues that TPUSA’s presence would “foster an environment that promotes homophobia, transphobia, and racism,” and urges the SSU Board of Trustees to deny the group official recognition. Petition organizers cite research suggesting that inclusive campuses see higher student satisfaction and success rates.
Turning Point USA Explained
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA is a national conservative student organization that promotes free markets, limited government, and conservative values. The group has gained national visibility for its high-profile events and outspoken leadership, but has also drawn controversy. Critics say TPUSA promotes divisive rhetoric that marginalizes minority groups, while supporters argue it provides necessary balance at universities often seen as left-leaning.
The petition comes shortly after the death of TPUSA’s founder, Charlie Kirk, who built the group into a powerful force in conservative student politics. His passing has only intensified debate over whether the organization should continue to expand onto campuses like SSU.
A City Already on Edge
The fight over TPUSA arrives in a Portsmouth already roiled by political controversies. The transgender sanctuary city proposal earlier this year drew packed council meetings and statewide attention before ultimately failing. Soon after, the theft of a Democratic advertising bench — emblazoned with the slogan “You’re not the only Democrat in the County” — dominated headlines and became a rallying cry for Democrats in a county otherwise dominated by Republicans.
That bench was eventually recovered, but only after weeks of speculation, fundraising, and social media sparring over whether the theft was politically motivated.
What’s Next
Now, all eyes are on Shawnee State University’s Board of Trustees, which will ultimately decide whether TPUSA can establish a recognized chapter. Petition supporters say it’s a matter of student safety and inclusivity; TPUSA’s defenders counter that conservative students deserve a voice.
From sanctuary city debates to vanishing benches and now a petition over a national student group, Portsmouth continues to find itself at the crossroads of America’s culture wars.
