The Student Government Association Senate recently held a vote that sparked widespread discussion and debate across the Bethel College campus after a student introduced a proposal to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student organization. The ongoing controversy raised concerns about campus political engagement as well as the procedures used in student government decision-making.
The proposal was brought forward last month, when the student organizer presented their case before the SGA Senate. Turning Point USA, commonly known as TPUSA, is a nationwide student-focused organization that trains young adults to advocate for conservative policy and political positions. Following a brief discussion, the Senate voted to approve the bill. News of the approval quickly spread and prompted strong reactions across campus, with students from various political backgrounds expressing concerns, support, and criticism.
According to SGA President Taryn Paulino, many students contacted her in the days following the vote to express confusion and frustration about how the decision was reached. After reviewing what occurred during the meeting, she said she identified multiple procedural issues, including missing absentee ballots for senators who were not present, a lack of detailed communication following the meeting, and minimal research conducted prior to casting votes.
In response to these concerns, Paulino called an emergency executive meeting to review the process. During the meeting, additional problems came to light. The judicial council did not formally meet to review the bill, leaving most procedural clarification to the chief justice. The full Senate reportedly spent only about 10 minutes discussing the bill, with no tabling and no outside consultation. One of the most significant issues was that no official minutes were taken during the meeting, making it difficult to verify attendance, details of the discussion, and how the vote was recorded.
Due to these procedural errors, Paulino made the decision to issue a presidential veto. The Senate later reconvened to consider whether to overturn the veto, but the action did not receive enough support, and the veto stood.
Turning Point USA is not currently recognized as an official registered student organization but may still meet independently. Paulino said she hopes the controversy encourages students to stay informed and participate. “I hope this highlights the importance of getting involved on campus, staying involved and using your voice,” she said.
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