Ashland University Grants Provisional Charter to Turning Point USA Chapter After Months of Campus Debate
ASHLAND, OHIO — A contentious and closely watched debate over free expression, student governance, and campus culture came to a head at Ashland University during a Student Senate meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, when University President Jon Parrish Peede personally joined senators to discuss the future of a proposed chapter of Turning Point USA on campus.
The meeting followed months of disagreement surrounding the proposed student organization, including opposition from Eagles Pride, an LGBTQ student group. While the Student Senate had previously denied a provisional charter for the group, President Peede attended the Jan. 20 meeting to hear student input and discuss whether he would exercise his authority to overturn the Senate’s decision.
Student Organizer Speaks Out
Montgomery Township Trustee and Ashland University student John Keim, who introduced the Turning Point USA chapter proposal, expressed gratitude following the university’s final decision.
“I am deeply thankful that Ashland University upheld its commitment to the First Amendment and to the Christian principles upon which the university was founded,” Keim said. “Faith and free expression go hand in hand, and a campus rooted in truth should never shy away from open dialogue.”
Keim said the effort to establish the chapter spanned more than four months and included significant resistance.
“Much to our surprise, we received unexpected pushback — including protesters, threats, and intimidation,” he said. “Thankfully, by the grace of God, we got it passed with the approval of University President Dr. Jon Peede and the University Board of Trustees.”
Keim added that interest among students was substantial, particularly among Christian students, and that the group plans to hold its first meeting this month. He said the temporary board has committed to operating the organization “in the glory of God,” citing Romans 8:31 as the chapter’s guiding verse.
“This new chapter will strive to provide a place where all students can come and discuss issues affecting our generation,” Keim said.
University Grants Provisional Charter
In an official press release, Ashland University confirmed it has granted a provisional charter to the Turning Point USA student group.
According to the university, the group’s application was approved in November 2025 by the Student Senate’s Activities Budget and Chartering Committee before being brought to the full Senate, which ultimately denied the request. After seeking broader student body feedback, President Peede and the AU Board of Trustees exercised their authority to approve the provisional charter.
“I commend the Student Senators for their thorough deliberations and careful efforts to balance their own positions with those of their constituents,” Peede said in the release. “The Board and I made this decision in the larger context of AU’s commitment to the freedom of association and expression and to ensure that we uphold the educational value of viewpoint plurality.”
Under the terms of the provisional charter, the Ashland TPUSA group must meet institutional requirements over the next year before it can be considered by Student Senate for recognition as an official student organization.
Commitment to Free Expression
Turning Point USA currently has chapters at more than 900 colleges and universities nationwide, including both public and private institutions across Ohio.
President Peede also referenced his 2024 inauguration address, where he spoke directly to the university’s commitment to diverse perspectives and civil discourse.
“On this campus you can hold fast to your core values and expand your viewpoint,” Peede said at the time. “How can you as a young adult possibly face the challenges of modern society if you never learn how to navigate differences of opinion on fundamental matters?”
Peede emphasized that viewpoint diversity must be paired with civility and mutual respect, noting that Ashland University’s endorsement of the Chicago Statement in 2017 reflects its ongoing commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech.
About Ashland University
Founded in 1878 by the German Baptist Brethren Church, Ashland University began as Ashland College and adopted its current name in 1989. The private Christian university enrolls approximately 4,100 to over 6,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and extension programs and is guided by its long-standing motto, “Accent on the Individual.”
University officials say the decision regarding Turning Point USA reflects that mission, reinforcing both the importance of individual conviction and the responsibility of living and learning within a diverse campus community.
