Whitman College: Student government denies Republican Club recognition because of group’s viewpoint

On March 8, 2026, the Whitman Republican Club sought recognition from the college. At the Whitman student senate’s March 8 consideration of the club’s application, the senate unanimously voted to deny the club after prodding club representatives to repudiate specific sections of the official Republican platform and publicly criticize the national party. The denial deprives the Republican club of funding, institutional support, and other resources. FIRE wrote to Whitman College on August 31, explaining that recognition decisions must be viewpoint-neutral and urging the college to intervene if AWCS again denies the group in the fall semester.