MONROE, Mich. -- Following an 8-3 vote with several abstentions by Monroe County Community College's Student Government Association this afternoon to not approve the establishment of a Turning Point USA club on campus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Scott Behrens emailed SGA President Marwan Alabdullah and the prospective club's advisor, Barry Kinsey, earlier this evening to confirm he was officially approving the club.
Per procedure, the petition, constitution, faculty sponsor and student officers of a prospective student group along with the decision of Student Government are presented to the vice president of enrollment management and student success for consent and approval.
Below is a excerpt from Behrens' email that describes the events that led up to the approval of the Turning Point USA club at MCCC, as well as the rationale behind his decision:
"Following the [SGA] meeting, several elected SGA members and their advisors engaged in a frank and thoughtful discussion with the prospective advisor and president of the Turning Point USA club. During this conversation, the prospective club president affirmed his belief that all individuals are created equal and possess equal rights; that all students are welcome to participate in club activities and freely express their opinions; that members who violate others’ rights should be held accountable, and that all members must adhere to college policies and procedures.
"At the conclusion of the discussion, the SGA President and attending elected members expressed their support for my decision to approve Turning Point’s request for official club status. I hereby formally confirm that decision.
"I do not take this decision lightly, nor do I make it based on personal politics. In fact, my personal beliefs often differ from those of the national organization. However, I believe that the proposed constitution and membership of the organization meet the criteria for club formation. Moreover, I believe that organizations whose views are not fully aligned with my own have the right to exist and participate in campus life -- as long as their participation is respectful and affirming of others' rights."
Per procedure, Behren's decision may be appealed to a Joint Appeal Committee consisting of non-vested interested members with equal representation among administration, faculty and students. The decision of the committee shall be final consistent with policies of the Board of Trustees and rules and regulations of the college.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in the community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
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