This week, a series by FOX News Digital focusing on extremism in schools highlighted the experiences of two high school girls advocating for transgender policy changes in more liberal states.
Sadie Sullivan, a swimmer from Wenatchee High School in Washington, expressed her frustration. “Girls should never have to feel uncomfortable in their own locker rooms,” she stated during a rally aimed at altering laws that allow boys in girls’ private spaces and on sports teams.
She added, “Girls shouldn’t be told that their feelings don’t matter. It’s just not right to pressure young women into undressing around boys or compromising their safety for someone else’s comfort.”
Another student, Arnalee Wilson of Eastmont High School, called out Washington’s Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “You’ve spoken up for transgender athletes, but you haven’t stood up for us. We matter too,” Wilson insisted, emphasizing that girls deserve equal protection in locker rooms and sports.
Wilson pointedly remarked, “We’re not thriving in the locker room or playing our sports with the boys. When we say ‘all’ students, it seems like everyone forgets that ‘all’ includes biological girls.”
University of Oklahoma’s Ongoing Controversy
Samantha Hrunecki, a student at the University of Oklahoma, received a failing grade on an essay for referencing the Bible against the notion of non-binary gender. The teaching assistant who graded her, William “Mel” Kurth, is now on administrative leave following the outcry that ensued. Meanwhile, an assistant professor who led protests for another instructor’s reinstatement also faces administrative leave over discrimination claims.
According to OU’s Turning Point USA branch, Mr. Alvarez offered to excuse an absence so students could protest for an instructor’s reinstatement but insisted on formal documentation for another student who sought to do the same.
Veterans Day Removed from Anchorage School Calendar
The Anchorage School District faced backlash after omitting Veterans Day from its official calendar. Instead, the day is now designated “Student Liberation Professional Development Day.” Bernadette Wilson, a gubernatorial candidate, condemned the change as “absolutely unacceptable,” linking it to a broader trend of indoctrination in schools and declining student performance.
Recently, the district received criticism for disclaimers stating it “does not support” the viewpoints of the founding documents of the U.S. such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Turning Point USA Chapter at Vanguard University Disaffiliated
The Turning Point USA chapter at Vanguard University in California has lost its official affiliation due to a school policy that bans political advocacy. This chapter, founded in 2023, was aimed at promoting Christian values.
President Sadie Barnett expressed disappointment at the university’s stance, emphasizing that Christians have a valid and important voice in politics.
Rutgers University Professor Returns Amid Controversy
Mark Bray, a Rutgers professor often referred to as “Dr. Antifa,” is set to teach a spring seminar titled “Communism.” Bray has faced public scrutiny following on-campus disturbances involving the Turning Point USA chapter, and he fled to Spain with his wife amidst calls for his firing. His writings have sparked accusations of supporting militant anti-fascism through his financial contributions to the International Antifascist Defense Fund.
Augsburg University in Minneapolis Attempts to Prevent ICE Arrest
Augsburg University officials reportedly worked to obstruct ICE from arresting Jesús Saucedo-Portillo, an undocumented immigrant student with a criminal record. Following his arrest, some administrators and students allegedly tried to prevent federal agents from leaving the campus, claiming that the action contradicted school policy. However, the Department of Homeland Security reminded university officials that federal laws take precedence.
The school’s principal praised the students for their actions, despite the chaotic circumstances surrounding the incident.
Columbia University Investigation into Harassment of Jewish Students
An internal investigation at Columbia University unveiled that Jewish students faced harassment from pro-Palestinian peers amid the recent Gaza conflict. The task force report indicated that Israeli students were specifically targeted during classes. One student claimed they were told they should be labeled “one of the murderers” for serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
In a separate incident, a teacher allegedly claimed that prominent Jewish donors were involved in “blood money laundering” and referred to Israel dismissively as “so-called Israel.”
