On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was assassinated during a speaking engagement in Utah. This event has been followed by a notable increase in conservative student activism across Texas universities, particularly evidenced by the growth of TPUSA chapters.
Story Highlights
- A TPUSA chapter at UT-Tyler reported gaining nearly 100 new members after the assassination.
- This surge aligns with a broader national trend of increased conservative student engagement.
- TPUSA’s expansion is described as a direct response to Kirk’s death, reflecting his continued influence.
- The Texas Education Agency is reportedly investigating conduct at some schools related to the aftermath of the assassination.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred on September 10, 2025, during a speaking engagement in Utah, has been linked to a significant increase in membership for Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapters. This growth has been particularly observed at the University of Texas at Tyler, where membership reportedly increased from ten to 120 individuals shortly after the event. This trend is consistent with a reported nationwide increase in conservative student engagement.
TPUSA has experienced substantial growth across various Texas universities, attributed by Paige Rasmussen, TPUSA field representative for Texas, to a renewed interest in conservative values and a desire to honor Kirk’s legacy. The membership increase at UT-Tyler has been reflected at other universities, indicating a broader mobilization among conservative students.
This expansion of TPUSA chapters has led to varied institutional responses. Universities are approving new chapters while also facing increased scrutiny regarding political activities on their campuses. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is reportedly investigating over 100 schools concerning teacher conduct related to the assassination and its subsequent events. Some students and faculty have faced disciplinary actions, highlighting the complexities of managing free speech and maintaining campus order. University administrators are tasked with balancing these dynamics, ensuring that groups like TPUSA can operate while adhering to institutional policies. The approvals and subsequent scrutiny underscore the challenges of navigating political activism within educational environments, particularly in a politically polarized climate.
The implications of this rise in conservative student activism are both short-term and long-term. In the short term, universities are experiencing heightened political activity and, in some instances, increased polarization. In the long term, the growth of TPUSA could contribute to sustained conservative influence on campus discourse and policy discussions, potentially affecting political climates at educational institutions nationwide. Despite these challenges, the increase in TPUSA membership also presents an opportunity for greater engagement and dialogue among students. By fostering environments where diverse political views can be expressed, universities aim to support academic freedom while navigating the complexities of modern political discourse.
Watch the report: Turning Point USA Membership Doubles at Texas University Campus
Sources:
- Fox News Digital: TPUSA chapter gained 100 new members rapidly at Texas university after Charlie Kirk assassination
- Baylor Lariat: Turning Point USA sees unprecedented growth since Kirk assassination – The Baylor Lariat
- Dallas Observer: Charlie Kirk Died 5 Weeks Ago, But His Presence In Texas Schools Has Doubled
- AOL News: TPUSA chapter gained 100 new members rapidly at Texas university after Charlie Kirk assassination