SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A proposal to launch a new Turning Point USA chapter at Southern Maine Community College was approved Thursday following an anonymous vote by the student senate, drawing celebration and concern from students on campus.

The club was proposed by Peter Bernaiche, a student who cited a desire to create a safe space for conservative students. Bernaiche will serve as club president, with Morgan Redfield joining him in leadership.

"Students should never be silenced simply for what they believe," Bernaiche said.

He emphasized free speech as the cornerstone of their mission, but not all students were on board.

During the public hearing session at the end of the meeting, several voiced concerns over the national reputation of Turning Point USA and the impact the group c

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