St. John’s University in Queens, New York, describes itself as a Catholic University which “embrace[s] the Judeo-Christian ideals of respect for the rights and dignity of every person.” Every person, that is, except for its conservative students, the late Charlie Kirk, and members of Turning Point USA on its campus like Massimo Guerriero. When Charlie was killed last September, Massimo organized his fellow conservatives into a Turning Point USA chapter at St. John’s. TPUSA spread through campus like wildfire, and although the university previously refused to recognize it, Massimo and his colleagues thought that after Charlie’s assassination, St. John’s would recognize the justice of their cause. And yet, when they applied for recognition, student senators laughed in their faces. Their application was unceremoniously denied.
“St. John’s prides itself on being a Catholic university that supposedly upholds viewpoint diversity,” said Massimo Guerriero, Treasurer of Turning Point USA at St. John’s University. “They often put emphasis on being inclusive to everyone but actively marginalize Republican voices like me. The university’s only concern is public appeal, and that’s evident in the TPUSA denial and what is already hosted on campus.” St. John’s is home to a dedicated “LGBTQ+ Center” and houses biological men who claim to be transgender in women’s dormitories.
Charlie Kirk’s life was devoted to free and open dialogue, respecting every individual he spoke with as made in Imago Dei, the Image of God. His official memorial stated that “above all he wished to be remembered for his faith.” Yet instead of embracing his legacy as part and parcel of its Catholic Mission, St. John’s chose a darker path. By refusing to recognize TPUSA on campus, St. John’s betrayed its intent to silence conservative viewpoints by any means, fair or foul. It is unconscionable that this attitude persists in the wake of Charlie’s death.
A similar drama played out across the Hudson River at Seton Hall University, a Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey. Last September, conservative students created a Turning Point chapter and applied for recognition from the university’s Student Government Association. Their application was rejected on the grounds that “materials associated with the organization at the national level include statements and activities that do not align with the University’s Catholic mission.” Three weeks later, Seton Hall approved a College Democrats chapter, which had just hosted a “Reproductive Rights Night” celebrating abortion.
Jesus warned of universities like St. John’s and Seton Hall. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16). Although they style themselves as Catholic, a few words on a website does not turn a student into a disciple. Claiming to “create a climate patterned on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ” rings hollow when universities financially support pro-abortion activity on campus, while rejecting the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, who actually accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
The New York Young Republican Club supports the students of St. John’s and Seton Hall universities and calls for the immediate recognition of Turning Point USA chapters on their campuses. Charlie Kirk was a man of faith who lived his life in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. He brought hundreds of thousands of students with him on his journey to Christ. By rejecting his life and legacy, these universities are betraying their Catholic mission in favor of something dark and sinister. A Catholic university must stand for more than a strong basketball program. It must teach students to think of themselves in Imago Dei and to place their hopes and prayers in the Lord.
If St. John’s refuses to recognize a Turning Point chapter on campus, they deserve to be condemned by men and women of good conscience.
Let F R E E D O M ring.