ST. JOHN’S UNIV. REJECTS TURNING POINT BID
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, has been denied a chapter status at St. John’s University. The student government at the Queens, New York campus did not give any reason, requesting that they reapply. But they have already been denied twice, and without cause. This story was first reported by Sam Korkus of the University of Dallas, writing for The College Fix.
There is reason to believe that a political bias may be in play. Allegedly, some student government members startled “giggling” when the request was made by Turning Point club founder Massimo Guerriero. What was particularly disturbing was the nature of exchange. Instead of focusing on whether the club was a good fit at St. John’s, attention turned to how it would respond to a potential backlash on campus.
In other words, the possibility that some might try to cancel Turning Point was given veto power by the student government. They chose the wrong students to defend.
St. John’s hosts a LGBTQ+ Center, one that is expressly committed to norms and values that are counter to Catholic teachings. Was anyone worried about a potential backlash when it was instituted? The Vincentian school also features a “Lavender Graduation,” which not only sanctions segregation on campus, it gives succor to students who reject Catholic moral teachings.
Pope Francis called gender ideology “demonic,” and now it is being celebrated at St. John’s.
Charlie Kirk was an advocate for civil discourse on campus. That was his trademark. Why any school, especially a Catholic one, would find fault with that boggles the mind. St. John’s idea of inclusion clearly extends to the LGBTQ cause, but not the cause of free speech.
The alumni at St. John’s are known for their commitment to traditional moral values, but in recent years the school seems to have lost its moorings. They need to speak up, preferably with their wallets.
Contact Student Government board president: ava.wilson22@my.stjohns.edu