Defend Fairness and Free Expression at St. John’s University

Sample Letter & Contact Info for St. John’s Senior Administrators

Below is a sample letter urging the President and senior administration of St. John’s University to immediately review and reverse the unjust decision by the student government denying recognition to a Turning Point USA chapter. Time is critical. St. John’s alumni, donors, supporters, and concerned citizens—especially those in Eastern Queens and the surrounding community—are strongly encouraged to write, email, and call the senior administrators listed below without delay. You may use this sample letter or write your own respectful but firm message calling for fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of student organizations. Prompt and sustained engagement from alumni and community stakeholders can make the difference—please act now.

Sample Letter

Subject: Request for Administrative Review of Student Government Decision Denying TPUSA Recognition

Dear President Shanley and Members of the Administration,

I write respectfully to request an administrative review of the recent decision by Student Government, Inc. to deny recognition to a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) student chapter at St. John’s University.  

It is our understanding that this decision was rendered without a clear, substantive justification – and indeed no justification at all. It raises serious concerns regarding viewpoint neutrality, due process, and equal treatment of student organizations. As a Catholic and Vincentian institution committed to truth, reason, and the free exchange of ideas, St. John’s University has long held itself to high standards of fairness, inclusion, and intellectual diversity. Decisions that appear to single out a student group based on its political or ideological perspective run contrary to those principles.

TPUSA is a nationally recognized student organization with active chapters on hundreds of campuses across the country, including many private and faith-based institutions. Its mission—promoting civic engagement, debate, and political participation among students—is squarely within the bounds of protected student expression and association. Denying recognition without transparent, content-neutral grounds risks creating the perception of ideological discrimination, whether intended or not.

While student government plays an important role in campus life, it does not operate in a vacuum. Ultimate responsibility for ensuring fairness, compliance with university policy, and alignment with institutional values rests with the administration. For that reason, we respectfully urge the University to review this matter promptly and ensure that its recognition process is applied consistently, objectively, and without regard to political viewpoint.

We are not asking the University to endorse any particular ideology or organization. Rather, we are asking that St. John’s uphold its own stated commitments to fairness, inclusion, and academic freedom by ensuring that all student groups are afforded equal opportunity to organize and participate in campus life.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We welcome clarification regarding the basis for the student government’s decision and any steps the administration may take to review or remedy this situation. We are hopeful that St. John’s University will act decisively to uphold the principles that have long defined its reputation and mission.

Sincerely Yours,

[Your Name]
[Your Title / Affiliation, if any]
[Organization or Individual Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

cc: Division of Student Affairs
cc: Office of the President
cc: Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance
cc: Student Government Inc.

Senior Administration Contact Information

Rev. Brian J. Shanley
President, St. John’s University
Office of the President
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Phone: Main University Switchboard: 718-990-2000 (ask to be connected to the Office of the President)
Email: Office of the President general contact: pres@stjohns.edu

David N. Gachigo
Senior Associate Dean of Students
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, G023
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Phone: 718-390-4345 (Dean of Students/Student Affairs office)
Email: gachigod@stjohns.edu

Jackie Lochrie, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Phone:  Division of Student Affairs Office: 718-990-6568
Email:  lochriej@stjohns.edu

Simon Geir Møller, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office of the Provost
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Phone: 718-990-2000 (Main University Number — ask to be connected to the Office of the Provost)
Email: provost@stjohns.edu

Esther Hutchinson
Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Phone: 718-990-2660 (Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance main number)
Email: equity@stjohns.edu   (official general contact for the Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance)

Ava Wilson
President, Student Government, Inc.
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Email: ava.wilson22@my.stjohns.edu
Phone: SGI Office: 718-990-1587 (Student Government, Inc. office number)