Republican state lawmakers are criticizing the student government at Durango’s Fort Lewis College for rejecting a proposal to establish a Turning Point USA chapter on campus.

Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative issues on high school and college campuses. Its founder, Charlie Kirk, was killed during a campus event in Utah in September.

According to the Durango Herald, more than 30 students spoke on the matter during a four-hour-long meeting last week, with most expressing opposition to the proposal.

The effort to bring Turning Point USA to the Fort Lewis campus was led by senior Jonah Flynn, who told the Durango Herald he wanted to “keep the conversation going” about conservative values in the wake of Kirk’s death. Many students, however, voiced concerns about the potential impact the group could have on individuals from marginalized identities.

Ultimately, the seven-member board denied the proposal.

In a letter sent to FLC president Heather Shotton on Thursday, Colorado House Republicans urged her to reconsider the student board’s decision.

“Denying students equal access to campus resources based on their viewpoint contradicts the values outlined in your college’s mission,” the letter stated. “Your commitment to intellectual diversity, inclusive dialogue, and critical thinking should apply to all perspectives, not just the ones that are popular.”

The lawmakers acknowledged the concerns about student safety but argued that safety should not be used to “supress lawful expression or prevent the peaceful participation of students in campus life.”

“We urge you to lead with fairness and principle, and ensure Fort Lewis College remains a place where all students are free to speak, organize, and engage in civil dialogue,” the letter concluded.

Fort Lewis College says an appeal to the board’s decision has been filed, but no final decision has been issued at this time.