ASU Denies Campus Events to Progressive Tour and Conservative Group Due to Security

Arizona State University recently denied event permits to two opposing student groups on the same day. This is the first time both groups have been denied permits together.
By Newsroom | University Events, Arizona |

University Cites Security, Shuts Out Both Progressive Tour and Conservative Group

Arizona State University (ASU) recently prevented two opposing student-focused groups from holding outdoor gatherings on the same day. University officials stated a lack of sufficient security prompted the denial, affecting both the progressive ' UnF—-America Tour ' and the conservative Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

An ASU official indicated both TPUSA and the ' UnF—-America Tour ' sought open-air campus spots for the same date. University police voiced concerns, finding it difficult to provide adequate safety for concurrent events.

Leaders of the progressive group shared video footage on the X platform from March 20. In it, Erika Kirk, now leading TPUSA, appeared frustrated, noting her group's inability to challenge the scheduled 'UnF—-America Tour' event. Reportedly, TPUSA members also expressed surprise at receiving an event rejection from ASU authorities last week, according to a separate exchange outside the Phoenix headquarters.

Shifting Leadership, Enduring Presence

The denial on campus comes as Turning Point USA continues navigating a leadership transition. Erika Kirk now heads the non-profit organization following the death of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk. The appointment occurred after his passing, which was sometime before September of last year, shifting the group's public face. The vacuum prompted speculation regarding future influencers, with figures like Vice President JD Vance even guest-hosting Charlie Kirk’s podcast at one point.

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TPUSA has faced varied institutional responses regarding its campus presence:

  • Last September, the University of Cincinnati (UC) asserted that its local TPUSA chapter was not, in fact, "removed" from campus, but rather had remained unregistered for years ' UC says Turning Point USA chapter wasn't removed from campus, it hasn't registered in years '.

  • This statement followed a social media video where Olivia Krolczyk claimed the university had removed the chapter without explanation. Ohio GOP chairman Alex Triantafilou and Sen. Bernie Moreno were noted as having intervened.

Ideological Foundations

Turning Point USA was established by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery. The organization functions as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. It has aimed to expand its footprint beyond traditional universities, focusing specifically on Evangelical campuses. For example, in late 2024, TPUSA increased efforts at institutions like Grand Canyon University and Liberty University, promoting conservative values and fostering a sense of community among students there. Sarah Stock, a student at Vanguard University, reportedly started a TPUSA chapter to create space for political discussion in an otherwise apolitical environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Arizona State University deny event permits to the UnF---America Tour and Turning Point USA on April 15, 2026?
University officials stated that there was not enough security to safely hold both events on campus at the same time. The police had concerns about providing adequate safety for concurrent events.
Q: Which groups were denied event permits by ASU on April 15, 2026?
Both the progressive group called the 'UnF---America Tour' and the conservative group Turning Point USA had their requests for outdoor campus gatherings denied.
Q: What was the reaction of the groups to the denial?
Leaders from the progressive group shared video showing frustration from Turning Point USA's leader, Erika Kirk, who noted her group's inability to challenge the scheduled progressive event. Turning Point USA members also expressed surprise at the rejection.
Q: Has Turning Point USA faced similar issues at other universities?
Yes, Turning Point USA has had varied responses at other institutions. In September 2025, the University of Cincinnati stated its TPUSA chapter had not been removed but had been unregistered for years, following claims of removal.
Q: Who is currently leading Turning Point USA?
Erika Kirk is now leading Turning Point USA following the death of its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, before September 2025. This leadership change has led to speculation about future influencers for the organization.