UK investigates Turning Point USA chapter after complaint of online harassment
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- University of Kentucky investigates Turning Point USA chapter over bullying claims
- Anonymous tip cites online chat with rhetoric normalizing violence and slurs
- UK police and campus officials review complaint; chapter leader denies intent
The University of Kentucky is investigating its chapter of conservative Turning Point USA after the university received a complaint of bullying, harassment and violence in an online chat forum.
Turning Point USA is a nonprofit student organization founded by Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in September at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. Some of the goals of the UK chapter are to educate students on conservative views, create a network of young activists and mobilize those who believe in free markets.
According to FOX 56, the school recently received an anonymous tip reporting bullying, harassment and “rhetoric normalizing violence” in the chapter’s online chat.
UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said the complaint has been shared with appropriate officials for review.
“The comments, if true, are wrong and concerning,” Blanton said in a statement. “We must be committed to values of respect and civility.”
Blanton declined to say what university division was reviewing the student group or if there were any restrictions on the organization’s on-campus activities during the investigation.
A UK student and former member of the chapter spoke to FOX 56 about his concerns in the online chat. He told the TV station he saw racial discrimination, homophobic remarks and derogatory statements. A staff member filed a report with the UK Police Department after another student shared concerns for his safety, the station reported, and a chapter leader spoke with police about the claims and said it was never their intention to harass a student.
