Chattanooga, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Student Government Association at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga voted against recommending the approval of a chapter of Turning Point USA. The final decision will be made by the Dean of Students Office. UTC aims to support all organizations that complete the registration process, while questions arise regarding the reasons behind the SGA’s vote. The university has not provided a timeline for the final decision on the chapter’s approval, making it a developing story.
Chattanooga – On October 7, the Student Government Association at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) voted against recommending the approval of a chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student-activism organization. The final decision regarding the organization’s registration rests with the Dean of Students Office.
UTC’s Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing, Dr. Jay Blackman, stated that the university recognizes all organizations that complete the registration process. Blackman emphasized that students will be supported as they navigate the registration process.
Turning Point USA was founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2012. Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire. The SGA vote serves only as a recommendation; the Dean of Students will make the ultimate decision following university policy and state law. The university has not provided a timeline for when a final decision on the chapter’s approval will be announced.
UTC aims to ensure all student organizations that meet registration requirements are recognized. There are existing Turning Point USA chapters on other campuses across the United States. Questions remain regarding the reasons behind the SGA’s vote against the proposal. No response has been received from the SGA for clarification. The situation is a developing story and is expected to be updated with further information.
FAQ
What organization did the UTC Student Government Association vote on?
The UTC Student Government Association voted against recommending the approval of a chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student-activism organization.
What is the final decision-making authority regarding the approval?
The final decision regarding the organization’s registration rests with the Dean of Students Office.
What support does UTC offer to student organizations?
UTC aims to ensure all student organizations that meet registration requirements are recognized and will support students as they navigate the registration process.
When was Turning Point USA founded?
Turning Point USA was founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2012.
Is there a timeline for the final decision on the chapter’s approval?
The university has not provided a timeline for when a final decision on the chapter’s approval will be announced.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Date | October 7 |
| Organization | Turning Point USA |
| Final Decision Authority | Dean of Students Office |
| Founded By | Charlie Kirk in 2012 |
| Current Status | SGA recommendation against approval |
| Other Campuses | Existing Turning Point USA chapters across the United States |
| Clarification Status | No response received from SGA |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
