Turning Point USA plants roots at Chapman University with new chapter
Illustration by Sami Seyedhosseini, Cartoonist
What happens when a nationally recognized conservative student organization plants roots at Chapman University? For some students, it signals a long-awaited expansion of political diversity. For others, it raises concern about the tone and impact of campus discourse.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative nonprofit with chapters on college campuses across the country, has recently established a chapter at Chapman, adding to the university’s diverse landscape of student-led political organizations.
Founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, TPUSA is a national organization focused on engaging students in conservative political activism, particularly on college campuses.
Led by President Maxfield Priestley, a graduate student pursuing a master’s in real estate, the Chapman chapter received official recognition from the university in Dec. 2025. Since then, the group has hosted weekly meetings and community initiatives.
“Our mission is to identify, educate and organize students to promote fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government,” Priestley said. “We empower students with the skills and values necessary to restore traditional American principles like patriotism and liberty.”
In addition to campus outreach, the chapter has participated in national events such as AmericaFest (AmFest) and local service efforts, including volunteering at the Friendly Center, where members have worked with community programs supporting families and children.
Priestley said the organization aims to contribute to open discussion on campus.
“We approach different viewpoints with curiosity, not hostility,” he said. “Our goal isn’t to create an echo chamber, but to participate in Chapman’s marketplace of ideas in a respectful, productive way.”
The chapter has faced challenges establishing its presence on campus, including instances of vandalized flyers and disruptions to its outreach efforts. Priestley said the group has worked with Public Safety to address these issues and ensure its materials remain visible and protected.
Students outside of the organization have had varying responses to the group’s presence on campus.
“I’m all for promoting free speech every day of the week,” said Colin Silber, a freshman writing for film and television major. “However, when you’re using free speech as a means to justify hatred and bigotry, I have a problem.”
Silber also said there is a respectful way to not engage by politely ignoring groups or beliefs one does not align with, rather than being outwardly unsupportive.
“I think it’s best that those who want to join should do whatever they want, and those who choose not to join should just politely ignore it,” he said.
Club members also emphasized the importance of open dialogue on campus.
“I don’t necessarily agree with the organization itself,” said Daniel Golan, a freshman political science major and member of TPUSA. “But I value that it creates a space where students from different perspectives can come together and openly discuss their views.”
Golan added that the club provides opportunities for structured conversations and debate. He specifically enjoyed debating about abortion rights and access.
“Everyone is very open to learning about different political views,” he said. “It’s one of the only places on campus where those kinds of discussions are really happening.”
As the chapter continues to grow, its leadership says they hope to expand its presence through campus debates on issues like free speech, abortion policy, guest speaker events and increased outreach efforts, like tabling.
Priestley said the group is focused on establishing a lasting role within the Chapman community and “to transform from a startup to a permanent campus fixture.”