LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, on Tuesday issued the following statement regarding the severe harassment faced by members of the newly founded Turning Point USA chapter at Royal Oak High School:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”