Turning Point USA Clubs Expand to High Schools Across America

“I would just like to say, ‘Welcome to Germany, 1939.’” “We have been labeled as homophobes, bigots, racists and fascists.” “For years, my conservative peers and I have peacefully coexisted with feminist clubs and L.G.B.T.Q. clubs.” This is Onondaga County in Central New York, where a brand of high school clubs founded by Charlie Kirk and financed by his conservative juggernaut Turning Point USA, has led to this. “These accusations are not only untrue, but they undermine the very principles of open dialogue and respectful debate that we promote.” “It really is as bad as you think, just from a student perspective.” “If there’s going to be a Club America, by God, there needs to be a Club Progressive.” Before his assassination, Charlie Kirk made it clear he wanted a TPUSA chapter in every high school. “He told the team, let’s do 25,000 high school chapters. Club America has exploded in popularity in the months since Kirk was killed, with at least 3,300 chapters in high schools across the U.S., according to Turning Point USA. “I’m excited to announce today that every Oklahoma high school will have a Turning Point USA chapter.” States are also endorsing the club. “I’d love to see a chapter in every single high school in the state.” At least eight Republican governors have partnered with Turning Point, vowing to bring Club America to all of their public high schools. But here in New York, where Democrats govern and a statewide embrace of TPUSA’s conservative Christian ideology is unlikely, students like Jacob Kennedy are still trying to launch Club America, even if that means an uphill battle. “I have grown up in a Christian home, which follows mostly the values of conservative beliefs. It’s my first year at a public school. I did not feel accepted to share my conservative beliefs and my religion.” For most of his life, Jacob lived overseas where his parents were missionaries. “And starting this Club America, I am quickly finding other people that have the same values as me.” Jacob really didn’t even know who Charlie Kirk was until he was killed. Since then, he’s connected with Kirk’s message on religion as much as politics. “There was no question at the time of the founding that God played a central role in all of our government.” “Whether it is immigration laws or abortion, I put my religion first and then my political worldviews.” But Jacob’s push to secure approval from the district to establish Club America at his high school has stoked a sense of anxiety in community members who see Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric as racist and homophobic. “This was Charlie Kirk’s organization — that tells you a lot about this club. It’s not for everybody. It’s divisive.” “No matter who it is — Charlie Kirk or Charlie Brown — this is still the United States, and we do have freedom of speech.” Federal law requires equal access to all sorts of clubs, from Jesus and Me to the Afterschool Satan Club. As long as they are student-initiated and aren’t disruptive, anything goes. “So what is Club America? What do we do? We promote the values of free speech, patriotism and small government.” Turning Point USA declined multiple requests from The New York Times to participate in this story, and even told students in Club America chapters not to speak with us. But we did manage to film a public information session addressing the backlash the group has received. “Let’s talk. If we don’t talk, we’ll never get to get outside of our echo chambers. And Charlie Kirk always said, when we stop talking, that’s when violence happens.” “Are you advocating for your student groups to have open discussion? I don’t see that as the actual implementation level, what’s happening.” “Debate is absolutely encouraged in your Club America meetings where you’ve set ground rules for your debates.” “How do you plan on ensuring that kids from the L.G.B.T.Q.+ communities feel more included and feel safe?” “‘There are students of all different backgrounds, all socioeconomic statuses and of all persuasions involved in Club America. And if those students don’t attend, that’s on them. But you’re welcome to be there.” Charlie Kirk’s influence is everywhere from President Trump’s State of the Union address — “My great friend Charlie Kirk, a great guy.” — To his five-story portrait draped outside the Department of Education in D.C. It’s with this singular influence and power in the world of conservative media, politics and faith that Turning Point USA is hoping to get high schoolers registered to vote before this November. Jacob’s goal is much simpler. He just wants to get students together to hash out their differences. But until his club’s approved, he’ll have to engage with them one-on-one. “Whether you support L.G.B.T. rights, whether you are a a son or daughter of an illegal immigrant, whether you are pro-choice, you have the free will to join the club and be a part of it.”