The establishment of a Turning Point USA chapter at Royal Oak High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, has ignited strong reactions among students, resulting in protests and walkouts.
In late October, over 270 students participated in a walkout following the announcement of the conservative group's presence on campus via social media. The protest highlighted a deep divide between students who felt targeted and those defending their right to organize.
The walkout prompted a meeting between students and the district superintendent held in the school cafeteria to address the tensions and concerns raised.
“Turning Point is a nationwide chapter that spreads conservative views and the same views that Charlie Kirk promoted. And those aren’t the things that we promote in our school,” said Leilani Hamilton, a 17-year-old senior who organized the walkout.
This situation at Royal Oak highlights the broader national conversation surrounding political clubs in schools and student rights to organize and express diverse viewpoints.