Loyola University’s student government delivered a second rejection to a chapter seeking recognition as a registered student organization. The decision arrived after the students, affiliated with Turning Point USA, successfully appealed the initial denial through the school’s court of review – a victory that ultimately sent the case back to the very body that first blocked them in October.
The student government has yet to publicly explain the renewed opposition to the conservative group’s formation. Ethan Estis, a Loyola New Orleans law student who advised the undergraduates during their appeal, believes the outcome is driven by political motivations. “It is pure politics, again,” he stated, suggesting a pattern of selective rule enforcement.
Estis pointed to inconsistencies in how the student government applied its own regulations. He described a scenario where the room was declared at “capacity” before the initial meeting even began, with a vice president urging attendees to leave to avoid potential fire marshal violations and police intervention. Approximately 80 to 90 people reportedly attempted to attend.
He contrasted this with the procedures followed during a subsequent SGA meeting, where concerns about fire marshal capacity and closed-door sessions were meticulously observed. Estis argued that the SGA appeared to strategically utilize the rules to hinder the Turning Point chapter, raising questions about the extent of their interpretation.
According to Estis, some within the SGA even considered barring outside observers from the meeting altogether, despite the open-door policy for student government proceedings. One senator reportedly proposed a motion to limit attendance to undergraduate students only, a suggestion the vice president ultimately deemed unlawful under the SGA’s bylaws.
The atmosphere outside the meeting was charged, with a small group of protesters displaying signs. As the Turning Point students, numbering around 30, walked to the school chapel to process the decision, the protest grew, with chants directed at the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk, and slogans like “no KKK USA.”
The initial denial in October sparked immediate backlash, prompting offers of support from the Louisiana GOP. Chairman Derek Babcock vowed to “right the injustice” should the chapter be denied a second time, signaling potential external intervention.
The students’ appeal to the school’s court of review resulted in a favorable ruling, citing deviations from standard voting procedures and subjective objections – including concerns about student safety and the “campus climate” – as grounds for reversal. However, the Loyola student handbook stipulated that the court’s decision be remanded back to the SGA for reconsideration.
Estis confirmed that no further internal appeals are available. Despite the setback, he indicated plans to pursue external avenues for resolution. He believes the fundamental issue lies within the structure itself, arguing that the SGA, as a registered student organization, shouldn’t have the authority to grant or deny recognition to other groups.
“It is not right, and we aim to correct this wrong using any means that are both necessary and proper,” Estis stated, emphasizing a commitment to challenging the current system. Neither Loyola New Orleans nor the SGA offered a response to requests for comment regarding the situation.
