A Southern Maine Community College student has launched a new chapter of Turning Point USA on campus, just weeks after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying the movement’s message of free markets, limited government and individual liberty must continue. It’s the first Turning Point USA chapter on a college campus in Maine.
Peter Bernaiche, a computer science major, was officially recognized by both Turning Point’s national office and SMCC’s administration to establish the group earlier this month. He said the effort grew out of a surge in new chapters nationwide following Kirk’s assassination in September.
“Charlie Kirk’s passing turned on a lot of feelings in America,” Bernaiche said. “I felt I had to come to the movement. For me, it’s important to carry on his message, to fight for the truth and to do it right even when it’s hard.”
The recognition process was not without resistance. At a campus hearing, some students voiced concerns that Turning Point’s presence would fuel division, citing accusations that the national organization has been hostile toward LGBTQ and minority communities.
Bernaiche rejected those claims. “Our mission statement is clear. We welcome anyone and everyone from all backgrounds,” he said. “Conservatism, as Charlie would say, is about crunching the numbers. We don’t care about your ethnicity or background.”
The administration ultimately approved the chapter after a procedural review. Dean of Student Affairs staff oversaw a meeting last week in Jewett Hall where the student body was informed of the group’s compliance with bylaws.
With the approval, the SMCC Turning Point USA chapter plans to hold its first public event Oct. 15 in the campus center, featuring open-mic “live table debates” modeled after Kirk’s own campus forums. Bernaiche said the group intends to meet twice a month and hold regular outdoor tabling events, weather permitting.
Turning Point USA, founded in 2012 by Kirk, has grown into one of the most visible conservative youth organizations in the country, with chapters on college and high school campuses nationwide. The group says it promotes individual liberty, free markets and limited government.
Since Kirk’s death, the organization has reported an unprecedented rise in student interest. According to figures cited by Turning Point, it has received more than 17,000 inquiries from students seeking to launch chapters. The wave has extended into secondary schools, with Oklahoma recently requiring Turning Point chapters in all public high schools.
The group’s rapid growth has also fueled criticism. Turning Point has long faced scrutiny from academics and civil rights organizations who say its tactics stoke division and undermine academic freedom.
Bernaiche said his chapter intends to steer clear of that reputation. “We’re trying to break the cycle and normalize conservative values again,” he said. “This is about giving students a voice.”
The SMCC chapter will hold regular meetings on campus and is also building an online platform to help students prepare for debates. “Hopefully we’re going to be successful in the coming weeks,” Bernaiche said. The first meeting is set for Wednesday October 15, 2025 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
