A coalition of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) students and community members gathered in downtown Chattanooga on Tuesday to protest the university’s decision to dissolve several student programs. The protest was sparked by UTC’s recent move to sunset these programs in response to new Tennessee state laws restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Organized by the UTC Civic Engagement program, the demonstration highlighted the concerns of students who believe these cuts undermine their educational experience and the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

In a related development, efforts to establish a Turning Point USA chapter at UTC were placed on hold. The Student Government Association (SGA) voted against the proposal, but the UTC Dean of Students Office ultimately announced approval of Turning Point USA as a Registered Student Organization.

“The UTC Dean of Students Office has approved Turning Point USA as a Registered Student Organization,” UTC announced on its Facebook page. “Recognition of student organizations is determined by the Dean of Students and Chancellor in accordance with university policy and state law.”

Turning Point USA, founded in 2012 by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, advocates for conservative values on college campuses. The outcome of the SGA vote and the Dean’s decision will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the initiative at UTC.

The SGA’s vote caught the attention of Tennessee leaders.

State Rep. Jason Zachary posted on his X (Formerly Twitter) account that he has spoken with UT President Randy Boyd:

Sen. Marsha Blackburn called on UTC leadership to approve the Turning Point chapter at UTC.