A student-led initiative to establish a Turning Point USA club at Las Positas was tabling on campus on Feb. 26.
TPUSA is a nonprofit organization founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2012. Following the public assassination of its founder on Sep. 10, 2025, the organization has since then been led by widow Erika Kirk. It boasts over 800 active chapters across high schools and colleges nationwide and has a net worth exceeding $23 million. Their mission is to educate students on conservative values such as the free market, limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Critics of TPUSA argue that the organization has increased political polarization and spread hatred toward various minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. The organization is also known for its ties to the Trump administration.
The up-and-coming club has submitted an application for official recognition through LPC’s student organization club process and is currently in its gestation stage of development. The president of the TPUSA club is John Wahery, with the support of history professor Stuart McElderry as the club adviser.
The group was observed conducting a tabling activity in front of the 1600 building recruiting other students with a TPUSA representative, who was notably the only female member.
According to the college’s policy, student organizations must appoint a faculty adviser, have at least four student officers enrolled at the school and obtain approval from the student government. Approved clubs can then reserve spaces on campus for events and access campus resources.
“The club is currently a prospective club in the gestation stage of development,” McElderry said. “At this point the students are trying to get the word out to other interested students that this club is in the process of formation. … Once enough students have shown interest and once they meet to decide on meeting days and times and officer positions, the next step will be to seek approval from (Las Positas College Student Government).”
The college’s policy requires student clubs to go through the LPCSG’s recognition process to receive funding. All clubs must have a faculty adviser and a student president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.
If approved, the club will receive funding from the student government. It remains unclear whether it will receive additional funding from TPUSA, though the organization does assist with tabling and promotional materials.
Las Positas is known as a diverse campus that supports immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. On-campus political activity has typically focused on progressive causes. The addition of a TPUSA chapter introduces a new perspective to campus.
As the club still tries to get approved, there is a discussion to be had about the broader responsibility campuses have: to protect free speech and expression while fostering an inclusive learning environment.
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TOP PHOTO: Turning Point USA, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, built its organization by engaging conservative young adults across the nation, specifically on college campuses. (Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ/Wikimedia Commons)
Kian Amininejad is the Senior staff writer of The Express. Follow him on X @Kian_Amininejad.
