ASU is currently reviewing a complaint alleging that Turning Point USA at ASU violated event registry policy when TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk attended a student chapter meeting on March 18 in Tempe.
A University spokesperson confirmed in a written statement that the alleged violation is actively under review. The University did not confirm who issued the complaint.
"This complaint has been turned over to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review," the spokesperson said. "The university asks that anyone who has information related to these allegations to please email the dean of students (deanofstudents@asu.edu)."
The TPUSA chapter advertised the March 18 meeting as a conversation about the United States' role in the Middle East. Kirk attended the meeting and, in a video posted on social media, expressed frustration that the organization would be unable to counter-program the UnF--- America Tour. The tour is organized by National Ground Game, which calls itself the "democratic counter to TPUSA."
On the same day Kirk was on campus, an organizer of the UnF--- America Tour event was informed that the tour stop was not approved by the University. Similarly, a TPUSA at ASU counterprogramming event was not approved.
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According to University policy, event requests must be submitted at least 14 days in advance. If there are any "associated safety considerations," additional approval may be necessary, and event organizers are encouraged to register further in advance.
A TPUSA spokesperson said in a written statement that the organization is not aware of any investigation.
"This seems to be nonsense being spread by a leftwing group on campus," the spokesperson said.
They did not address the University's review of the formal complaint.
Zee Cohen-Sanchez, National Ground Game's executive director, said she had conversations with University officials who claimed Kirk's attendance at the chapter meeting is under investigation, and that there could be consequences for the chapter for allowing the guest appearance without following proper procedures.
Cohen-Sanchez said she found the situation with TPUSA contradictory because National Ground Game event organizers were told by the University they could not provide their own security and were unable to get their speaker approved to come on campus.
"Erika is way more high profile than any of us are," Cohen-Sanchez said.
Carsten Oyer contributed to the reporting of this story.
Edited by Kate Gore, Jack McCarthy, Sophia Braccio and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at apruiz@asu.edu and follow @andiruiz2405 on X.
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Andi Ruiz is a lead politics reporter at the State Press dedicated to serving her community with truth and honesty in her reporting. She has been working in broadcast and news since high school and was recently an anchor at The Cut Network during her first year at Cronkite. She is going into her second year at ASU as a Barrett Honors student studying journalism and mass communication.
