After a tense Student Government Association meeting, Loyola’s student senators said they focused on maintaining fairness and community as they voted to deny Turning Point USA’s request for a campus charter.

Jessica Valerio, SGA vice president, said her goal was to keep the meeting fair and balanced despite the heated atmosphere.

“I think just keeping our Loyola Jesuit values in mind, giving everyone the accurate space to voice their opinions, really upholding those time limits to ensure that everyone has the voice to speak,” Valerio said. “Keeping my university in my heart is the biggest motivator at the end of the day.”

First-year senator Terrance Parker said the meeting was intense but rewarding for those new to the senate.

“This is my first big Senate meeting, and my first year on the Senate Council, so it’s very interesting for sure,” Parker said. “Definitely intimidating being around so many people to hear your opinions, but once you see that everyone around you is on the same side and Loyola does have a community, it’s a refreshing feeling.”

Parker said he supported the public turnout, adding that it encouraged more student engagement in campus governance.

“Not enough interaction between students and a higher level is happening on campuses like this,” he said. “Whenever they have a direct foot in the decisions being made around them, they feel more comfortable standing there.”

SGA’s decision means Turning Point USA will not be recognized as an official student organization for now, preventing it from accessing university funding or reserving campus spaces for events.

Mabel Regalado-Hernandez contributed to this report