Durango, CO – The Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Fort Lewis College has seen its membership remain flat, according to chapter president Rachel Cook. Cook says many students are hesitant to join because they fear ostracism, harassment and possible academic repercussions on a campus where conservative viewpoints are a small minority.
Student concerns and incidents
Cook told Fox News Digital that “a lot of students are afraid of being ostracized by their peers or not being accepted – it’s a very minority group.” She added that conservative‑leaning beliefs are “not a popular idea here” and that the chapter has faced disrespect and limited opportunities for civil discourse.
Specific incidents cited include an officer being spat on while the group was tabling, and recent reports of signs being ripped and attempts to physically strike members. “A lot of people choose not to press charges,” Cook said, noting that the chapter works closely with pro‑life community members who assist with advocacy when the students cannot be present themselves.
Background of the chapter’s recognition
The chapter’s official recognition came after a heated debate within the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC). Initially, the student government rejected the proposal, but an emergency session later voted to approve the group. The vote sparked immediate protests outside the meeting room, with about 70 people attending the session and verbal confrontations spilling into the lobby, according to a campus police report.
Despite the tension, college officials maintain that campus security remains a priority. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the college has not received any reports of harassment involving TPUSA members during the current academic year and that a reporting system is in place for any negative experiences.
National context and future plans
The local challenges occur amid a national surge of interest in TPUSA chapters following the September 10, 2025, assassination of TPUSA co‑founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The organization reported receiving more than 120,000 inquiries from students seeking to start new chapters.
Looking ahead, Cook remains optimistic. She said the chapter plans to focus on Colorado policy issues that affect the local community, hold a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, and organize events related to the Second Amendment, including a shooting outing. “We are really excited for everything to come this semester,” she said.
Community response
Former La Plata County GOP chair and retired Chevron executive David Peters echoed Cook’s concerns, noting that membership has stayed essentially flat because many students are reluctant to join for fear of retaliation.
While the chapter’s growth is stalled, its leadership hopes that increased dialogue and visible events will encourage more students to engage in balanced political discussion on campus.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
