Turning Point USA Affiliate Club OK'd At Lincoln-Way West Despite Claims Of 'Stalled' Process

NEW LENOX, IL — Lincoln-Way West students seeking to form a club inspired by the late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA were given the go-ahead last week, even as chatter, criticism and questions festered among the community.

Some have argued the students were treated unjustly in their pursuit; school and district officials have countered that they were held to the same standards as any student club. Adults who rallied behind the students had alleged that officials frowned at the political nature of the club, discouraging them from forming. Others sought information from district officials, who refuted those claims.

In its description, Club America is described as "the leading youth movement for freedom-loving American values.

"We empower bold student leaders to promote free thinking, engage in grassroots activism, and bring their beliefs to life—both on and off campus."

Turning Point USA's youth effort seems to have gained traction since the 31-year-old activist was assassinated in September. To date, it touts 1,200 clubs with 14,000 members across the country.

"Club America serves to empower the patriotic leaders of tomorrow," its description reads. "Students who lead Club America chapters will be empowered to build strong networks, spearhead impactful initiatives, help students register to vote, and inspire meaningful conversations about the foundations of a free society. All students who believe in American exceptionalism, the importance of constitutional rights, and standing for freedom are encouraged to get involved! We strive to educate, empower, and organize student leaders who will carry these principles forward. Together, we are shaping the next generation of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders—making free thinking the new TRADITION!"

Some local parents say the club gives like-minded students a place to connect and reinforce shared values that align with the organization's mission.

"I'm a parent who has been supporting my student working to start a Club America-Turning Point USA chapter at LWW," said Amanda Goldschnikl, whose freshman son Jaden serves as the club's secretary. "After the public assassination of Charlie Kirk my student felt the desire to continue something local for his age and peers. Charlie Kirk's assassination left my student feeling confused about speaking up."

Goldschnikl argued that the students met unprecedented resistance among school and district staff—"weeks went by without updates," she said—after the students' initial attempt.

The students started the process on Sept. 30, she said. After applying at Turning Point USA Club America and being assigned a Turning Point advisor to assist, Goldschnikl said the students then secured a faculty advisor and submitted the required club application forms. They worked with the school activities administrator at Lincoln-Way West, she said, who told them they would need to complete the club packet.

The club packet—required of all groups seeking to start a club at the school—required the group provide a club constitution, meeting plans, established officers and 25 signatures from students expressing interest. Goldschnikl said, though, that even before that, the club needed administrative approval, where she claims the process stalled.

"Students repeatedly followed up and had around four meetings, if not more, with the activities' administrator, Dr. Killeen and Dr. Robbins, but received inconsistent information about why the approval was being postponed," she said. "They were told that further review was needed, but were not given a clear reason for the delay nor a timeline for any decisions. This was frustrating for them not because they expected special treatment, but because they simply wanted the same fair and timely process other clubs have received. They repeatedly asked for clarity and were told different things at different times, which made the process confusing and discouraging.

"They simply wanted to be treated the same as any other student-led club at LWW, the students followed the standard procedure by reaching out to the school's club coordinator, completing all the required forms, and securing a faculty advisor. They submitted everything promptly, but the approval process stalled without clear communication about direction of next steps."

Lincoln-Way District 210 Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley, though, said the students had not turned in their completed packet as of Nov. 19—two weeks before the Lincoln-Way West Student Council ultimately approved the club.

"This was treated like every other submission for students looking to start a club or activity," Tingley said. "Absolutely nothing was done differently."

The process is a rolling one, he said. There's no deadline, and "anything can be turned in at any time.

"When they had met with the team over at West, there were just a couple signatures," Tingley said. "They were told, 'next step, get your signatures.'"

When asked if the club had been treated fairly, Tingley said, "Absolutely—handled fairly and equitably."

Parent Kevin Wheeler emailed Dr. Tingley to inquire about the claims of unfair treatment made by parents and students alike interested in starting the club.

"... most rhetoric, if not all, is politically motivated," Tingley said in his response, as shared by Wheeler. "The students simply did not have the required signatures, to be honest, less than five. Once the students followed the procedure, it was moved to the next step.

"When the possibility of this club surfaced over a month ago, I specifically instructed all three principals to treat it like any other club. I find it hard to believe that one of my most trusted administrators would openly defy my instruction."

In an interview prior to the club's approval, Tingley said the administration and principals at all Lincoln-Way schools had discussed the possibility of students seeking to form this particular club, and were advised to treat it as they would any other.

"We had had a conversation about it prior to this—we said, in a Friday morning meeting with all administrators, that we follow our process and procedures as we always have," Tingley said.

".... after the assassination, this did become news. And certainly there were colleges, universities and high schools that were looking to start this type of club. We knew it was a possibility. And once again, we are non-political in this. If they follow the process like every other club, then we follow the process. That was clearly communicated to the building principals. ... We would never tell a group 'no.' We have clubs across the board. You name it, we have opportunities for students."

Frustrated by what they perceived as unfair treatment during the process, Goldschnikl turned to social media to stir support among other local parents. She was contacted by Will County Republican Central Committee Chairman Christina Clausen.

"Of course some negative support and some positive; however, Christina Clausen saw my post and offered to help," she said. "Not for any political agenda, but to share the students' club attempt."

Clausen said she was invited into a group chat with local parents.

"I said, ‘what can I do?’" Clausen told Patch. ".... Everything I did, I did with the consent of the parents and the children."

Clausen was told the students "were told no, they could not do the club, it’s too political.

".... They were told 'no' right off the bat. Whoever they went to, they were told no."

Tingley and Lincoln-Way West Principal Dr. Ted Robbins have both refuted those claims.

"Zero truth to it," Robbins told Patch. "I’m not aware of anyone saying that to them, at all."

Clausen then filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA request), seeking to learn the particulars of the formation of the Gay Straight Alliance club at the school. She chose that club, she said, because the Club America students were told they needed a specific number of members, and "this club had a lot less."

District 210 denied the FOIA request. Tingley would not disclose the reason, but said he believes the district is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the FOIA process. Goldschnikl said that after the FOIA was filed, Tingley granted the club adminstrative approval.

Clausen said she then reached out to conservative families she knew of within the Lincoln-Way West community, asking if they'd sign the club's petition.

"They didn’t want to sign the petition, and I asked why, they said it could affect their college, the way they’re treated by the teachers," Clausen said.

"I realized these kids are scared. That made me really uncomfortable. ... I get there’s certain things they need to go through to create a club, like we have to have signatures to get on the ballot to run for office. It’s teaching them that they do need to do certain things. … It’s the fact that in the beginning, they were told 'no.'

"Yet, there’s a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club, they had no problem becoming a club? That’s pretty political. That’s against some people’s religion."

Robbins has said that the Club America group was held to the same process as all others, with 50 clubs at the school that appeal to a variety of student interests and activities.

"There’s a different club for every student that we have, if they present it, have the right qualifications and bring it toward us," Robbins said. "There’s a club that supports all of our students. Once it was presented to us, through our activities director, we let them know the things that needed to be compiled to move it forward.

"... It just takes a little bit of legwork for students to get it done."

District 210 administration has maintained throughout the process that the group was treated the same as all other perspective clubs.

"I can confirm that the procedures to start a new club or activity were followed in accordance with the steps outlined on the club proposal form," Robbins told Patch.

The club's Dec. 2 approval has not quieted those who feel as though the students met undue barriers throughout the process.

Clausen took to social media to voice her concerns about opposition to the group, and what many called the politicization of the actions around the process. In that statement, Clausen alludes to the students being treated unfairly.

"It’s wild watching full-grown adults completely lose their minds because a group of teenagers wanted to start a club.

"The kids followed the rules.
They did the work.
They gathered the signatures.
They went through every hoop the school threw at them.

"And the ONLY people melting down about it… are adults on the left. I mean unhinged and downright psychotic. Imagine being so threatened by a student club that you spend your day and night ranting on Facebook about minors you’ve never even met...."

Tingley said he was frustrated to see a standard process become such a heated topic within the community.

"There was no malfeasance whatsoever," Tingley said, prior to the club's approval. "It put our students in a tough spot. If the students follow the process, they’re going to get their club. This was unfortunate that it became news, because it isn’t."

Goldschnikl said she was relieved to see the club approved.

"A public school should be a place where students can explore different perspectives, learn to discuss issues respectfully, and feel that their voices are valued," she said. "Approval of this club shows that all students even at a highschool level have equal access to participate and be represented. These students can explore respectful topics that are relevant to every student, regardless of political beliefs.

"Approving this club reinforces the idea that all students at LWW have equal access to express themselves, find community, and participate fully in campus life. They are excited for this new approval and to support community events as well. Even if a club represents viewpoints not everyone shares, schools should support student voices and encourage respectful discussion as it's fundamental part of education. They are thankful for this final approval and shows growth and acceptance within the entire community."

Clausen said she's proud of the students for bringing the local chapter to fruition.

"I’m grateful the students were finally given the same opportunity as every other club at Lincoln-Way West," she said. "These kids followed the process, did the work, and stood up for themselves. I’m proud of them."