Students Start Turning Point USA Chapter After Controversial Incident
Students from a Rhode Island high school, where teachers recently mocked conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his assassination, are initiating a Turning Point USA chapter aimed at promoting conservative values and encouraging free expression on campus.
Brayden Ryan, the vice president of the new chapter at Barrington High School, shared in an interview that he was inspired to establish this chapter after a school teacher publicly expressed a lack of remorse for Kirk’s death, branding him a “hateful person” on TikTok.
Kirk was assassinated on September 10 while he was speaking at Utah Valley University during a tour. The incident sparked reactions, including a now-placed-on-leave teacher, Benjamin Philo, posting a video highlighting Kirk’s previous statements about the LGBTQ community and women’s rights.
Amidst this backdrop, students at Ohio University reported that their peers were tearing down flyers supporting the U.S. chapter and sending negative messages towards it.
Philo, in his video, criticized Kirk, suggesting he was trying to prove his toughness with controversial comments. He called Kirk “a piece of trash,” explicitly stating, “Bye Charlie!”
The situation escalated when Nicole Solas, a mother and activist, filed a public records request to review educational materials related to Philo’s curriculum. Barrington Public Schools responded with a shocking quote of over $117,000 to compile the required documents. Interestingly, Solas does not have children attending the school but had been involved in a previous public records dispute with the National Education Association of Rhode Island.
Ryan, who is a freshman, mentioned that forming this chapter posed challenges due to the region’s political climate, yet he and other students are determined to move forward.
He emphasized the need for a safe space where conservative students can share their political and personal beliefs. Ryan believes it’s crucial for such voices to be heard.
Caleb Kaplan, the president of the U.S. chapter of Turning Point, pointed out that support for their cause exists, but there is also a movement among some students advocating for Philo’s return to his teaching position.
Kaplan stated, “While I won’t name names out of respect, there are petitions circulating to reinstate the involved teachers.”
In response to the surrounding controversy, Kaplan said the group is focused on remaining constructive. “We don’t repay hate with hate,” he articulated. “We’re just trying harder to engage and involve more students.”
Barrington School District spokeswoman, Sarah Dell, affirmed that students are encouraged to form clubs that reflect their interests, including new organizations like the Turning Point chapter, which is currently navigating the approval process at the school.
Fox News Digital reached out to Philo for comments regarding the situation, but no statement has been made public yet.
