By Peter Christos, Guest Contributor
For far too long, Conservative students on High School and College campuses across the country have faced unfair treatment, being targeted by school administrations, victims of doxxing and even violent attacks, all simply for sharing their ideas and engaging in free speech debate.
Just last week, we witnessed this heartbreaking reality when TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated while speaking in front of thousands of students at Utah Valley University. As conservatives around the country mourned, prayed, and held vigils for Charlie, many on the left celebrated — a stark reminder of the deep divisions in our country.
At Glenbrook North, we see the struggle for students who are Pro-America and Pro-Free Speech. Last year, a large group of GBN Students attempted to start a Turning Point USA High School Chapter on campus. After meeting with the administration, they denied TPUSA students the right to start a Pro-America Club on campus.
The reason given? That the school “already has a club like that.”
But this simply isn’t true.
A look at Glenbrook North’s official Clubs and Organizations list reveals no club shares the core values of Turning Point USA which include: promoting free speech and open dialogue; advocating for limited government; supporting free-market capitalism; celebrating American values and the Constitution, among many other things.
The reality is clear: TPUSA was denied because it is considered a ‘Conservative’ organization.
I speak from personal experience when I say Glenbrook North has shown bias, unfair treatment, and even allowed violence against Conservative students. Years later, nothing has changed to make the school a more inclusive place where all students feel welcome.
Every student regardless of political beliefs, deserves to express their thoughts freely and safely. The Equal Access Act makes it clear that if one club is allowed, all others must be given equal access, regardless of political or ideological views.
While Glenbrook North embraces ultra-liberal and Progressive clubs like Students Demand Action and GSA, it refuses to allow TPUSA (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) on campus. It is a shameful double standard for a school that prides itself on inclusivity to silence half its students.
This is a clear violation of free speech and un-American.
Following the tragic assassination of TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk, numerous Glenbrook North students who personally knew him reached out to me to organize what we expected to be a small vigil in downtown Northbrook.
What happened was the opposite.
It was confirmed that over 1,500 people from our community showed up, 150 of them current Glenbrook North students, to honor the life and legacy of Charlie. So many members of the community showed up to pay their respects to Charlie, we had to move locations to accommodate the crowd.
Students and community members from all political backgrounds came together to mourn and pray with us, because TPUSA and Charlie Kirk stood for freedom of debate and expression and didn’t deny or reject you based on your political beliefs. It was a somber, but unforgettable evening of unity and love, regardless of your political beliefs. This is something our country needs more of.
The outpouring of support towards current TPUSA students at GBN from the Northbrook community has been inspiring. With the new school year starting, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, I urge Glenbrook North to reconsider its decision and allow Turning Point USA to exist on campus.
We have no room left for division, bias, or political violence, at every level in this country. It must all be condemned and stopped. It’s time to come together, listen to every voice, and ensure every student has a seat at the table.
This is our Turning Point America.
