‘Concerns were raised that materials associated with the organization at the national level include statements and activities that do not align with the University’s Catholic Mission’

The student government at a Catholic university in New Jersey recently denied official recognition to a Turning Point USA chapter, but approved the recent application of the “Democrats Club.”

TPUSA’s application was denied because a majority of senators do not believe the group passes muster on a standardized rubric all club applications are judged on — mission alignment, structure, sustainability, and readiness to contribute to a positive campus environment — according to student government President Jackson Vaughn in an interview with the Setonian student newspaper.

“Concerns were raised that the materials associated with the organization at the national level include statements and activities that do not align with the rubric,” Vaughn reportedly said. “…“This wasn’t a politically motivated decision. It was a decision made in accordance with the rubric.” 

The student government did not respond to The College Fix’s emailed requests for comment this week.

Official club recognition from a student government typically grants a college group some funding to host meetings and speakers, as well as approval to rent rooms on campus and openly advertise events.

The administration has no plans to intervene in the SHU’s student government decision, a spokesman told The Fix.

“Seton Hall supports student self-governance and the established process through which organizations seek recognition. The Student Government Association reviews all applications independently and applies its policies consistently. The University does not seek to direct or influence these decisions,” said spokesman Andrew Misura via email.

TPUSA can still meet without official student government support, he said.

“Students interested in forming groups may continue to meet informally and participate in campus life in accordance with University guidelines. Seton Hall welcomes students of all viewpoints and remains committed to the free exchange of ideas rooted in our Catholic mission and the principles of fairness and respectful dialogue,” he said.

While TPUSA was rejected, the student government recently granted official recognition to the SHU Democrats Club, the Setonian reported. Both clubs had been inactive for over a year and thus needed to seek reapproval for official recognition, according to the student newspaper, which noted TPUSA picked up again after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

On its Instagram page, the SHU Democrats Club notes how it hosted a pro-abortion workshop late last month, and has also canvassed for local Democratic candidates running for office in New Jersey.

Turning Point USA’s national office weighed in on the decision Dec. 3 with a statement on its website.

“Last month, the SGA, which oversees recognition of campus groups, rejected the TPUSA chapter. In an email explaining the decision, the SGA stated, ‘Given TPUSA’s national profile and the controversies surrounding its events, concerns were expressed about potential campus conflict, heightened reactions, and increased security needs.’ The email also said, ‘Concerns were raised that materials associated with the organization at the national level include statements and activities that do not align with the University’s Catholic Mission.'”

The national office expressed disappointment in the decision, pointing out TPUSA was rejected while a “left-wing group on campus” was given the green light.

“The campus culture includes a strong religious presence and less far-left activism compared to many other universities. Families often choose Seton Hall with the expectation that students will not be subjected to left-wing ideological pressure,” TPUSA stated. “However, Seton Hall remains a modern university and drew attention last year for approving a drag show on campus. The event was quickly cancelled after backlash.”

Despite being denied, the TPUSA club’s members at SHU continue to stay engaged.

“Our Seton Hall TPUSA leadership, along with officers from other TPUSA chapters, joined Erika Kirk and Bari Weiss at the CBS Broadcast Center for a meaningful and insightful town hall,” the group posted Dec. 10 on its Instagram page.

The group did not respond on Instagram to a request for an interview from The College Fix.

Like SHU, two Christian universities in California also recently rejected a TPUSA club, Vanguard University and Point Loma Nazarene University.

MORE: Turning Point USA leaders forced off campus at Illinois university after death threats