The Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado is experiencing stagnant enrollment. This lack of growth stems from student concerns about possible backlash, according to chapter leaders and local advocates.
Rachel Cook, the vice president of the Fort Lewis College chapter, mentioned, “It’s definitely been flat,” when speaking with Fox News Digital. Her comments follow a year of campus upheaval after the student government recognized the chapter, leading to community and student unrest. This turmoil has been documented and shared through video obtained by Fox News Digital.
“Their membership has been essentially flat. The issue is that a lot of students are reluctant to join the chapter for fear of retaliation,” David Peters noted, former La Plata County GOP chair, reflecting on an incident during one of the chapter’s meetings.
The incident involved a student being detained for hitting 66-year-old David Peters with a cup. Peters shared that some members received anonymous threats, reinforcing students’ fears. Cook reiterated these safety concerns, explaining that students are hesitant to join due to personal safety threats and harassment of chapter officers.
The tensions parallel a national increase in interest for TPUSA campus chapters. Following the September 10, 2025, assassination of TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk, the organization noted over 120,000 inquiries for starting chapters. At Fort Lewis College, Jonah Flynn spearheaded efforts to establish a chapter, which initially faced opposition from the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC). However, the student government eventually approved the chapter, sparking protests.
During a contentious meeting attended by around 70 individuals, a confrontation occurred. Peters approached Megan Elizabeth Hope Mollett, recording the scene; a dispute ensued, leading to police intervention and Mollett’s detention after they struck Peters’ phone with a Taco Bell cup. Although the incident was recorded as harassment, Mollett was released with a warning. Peters requested university disciplinary actions instead of filing charges.
Former anthropology professor David Kozak was recorded shouting at TPUSA supporters during post-vote demonstrations, reflecting the persisting hostile campus environment. A Fort Lewis College spokesperson confirmed Kozak’s retirement in 2025.
This ongoing tension surfaces as political violence increases nationally following Kirk’s death, raising concerns about how heated rhetoric leads to violence. Authorities linked political motivation to the shooting, with ammunition reportedly inscribed with political slogans.
In response to safety concerns, Fort Lewis College stated its commitment to student and visitor safety, ensuring reports are addressed. The institution noted no recent harassment reports involving the TPUSA chapter, emphasizing their reporting systems for student issues.
For more insights or story tips, contact Joshua Q. Nelson at [email protected]. Follow Joshua on social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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