Capitol News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt of Michigan issued a statement on Tuesday addressing recent incidents involving members of the newly formed Turning Point USA chapter at Royal Oak High School. According to Nesbitt, students and parents reported severe harassment following the group’s announcement on social media.

Nesbitt said, “Last week, my office was contacted by students and parents involved with the new Turning Point USA chapter at Royal Oak High School who shared troubling accounts of open hostility and physical intimidation aimed at their group. Within hours of announcing their chapter on social media, these students were subjected to a torrent of hateful messages, including death threats.”

He added that the situation escalated beyond online threats: “This intolerance has escalated to physical violence, with one young woman in the group reportedly shoved by opposing students on at least four separate occasions. These acts of hatred and physical aggression are directed at students who simply wish to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk by exercising their fundamental right to free speech and engaging in honest debate. They are now facing organized protests with the admitted goal of ‘shutting down’ this newly recognized student organization.”

Nesbitt called for action from school officials, stating, “This open hostility toward conservative thought in our public schools is unacceptable. The leadership of Royal Oak schools must do the right thing and provide an environment where students feel safe and are not targeted for their political beliefs. It is utterly disgraceful that students and adults, alike, have become so consumed by political rage that they are harassing and encouraging the harassment of these students simply looking to operate a school club.”

He also praised the resilience shown by the affected students: “I commend these young patriots for their courage. They refuse to be bullied into silence and are moving forward with their new club as planned.”

Concluding his remarks, Nesbitt emphasized protecting student expression in educational settings: “It is time to root out the dangerous and hateful political intolerance from our educational institutions. We must ensure that our public schools are protected places where all students can learn and express themselves without fear of hostility or ideological indoctrination.”