The Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at the University of Mississippi has experienced a dramatic expansion, growing from 200 to 1,500 students under the leadership of President Lesley Lachman. This significant growth has led to meetings that often reach full capacity, creating what Lachman described as a ‘fire hazard.’ The chapter’s surge in membership is attributed to a heightened interest in political engagement among Gen Z students, as well as the impact of Charlie Kirk’s recent death, which has inspired greater campus involvement.
On Oct. 29th, students, faculty, and others visited the University of Mississippi campus to attend a Turning Point USA event featuring Vice President JD Vance, honoring the organization’s co-founder, Charlie Kirk, and his wife, Erika Kirk. Lesley Lachman noted that the university is ‘the forefront of what Turning Point USA chapters look like across the country,’ highlighting the role of TPUSA as a platform for political activism. She emphasized that the current climate is a ‘turning point’ in history where people are motivated to get involved in politics, with Gen Z being particularly energized and ready to take action.
Lachman also acknowledged the broader impact of Kirk’s death, which has not only motivated members to engage on social media but also to participate more actively on campus. She praised Erika Kirk as a ‘force’ and ‘fighter,’ noting her motherly instincts and the potential for her to lead the organization to even greater success. The chapter’s growth is part of a national trend, with other universities also reporting similar increases in TPUSA membership following Kirk’s passing. However, despite the positive growth, there have been reports of hatred and acts of violence from TPUSA student members, which Lachman acknowledged as challenges the organization must address.
Despite these challenges, Lachman remains optimistic about the chapter’s future, stating that the work being done on campus is ‘beautiful’ and that the bigger message of the ‘turning point’ is the ongoing commitment to political activism. As TPUSA continues to expand, its leaders are navigating the complexities of growing a national movement while addressing both the positive and negative aspects of its increasing influence.