NSEA weighs in on Pillen–Turning Point USA partnership

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska State Education Association responded to Gov. Jim Pillen’s announcement of a partnership with Turning Point USA to expand student clubs in Nebraska high schools.

Pillen announced Tuesday that the state is partnering with Turning Point USA to bring Turning Point Club America chapters to high schools statewide.

In a statement, NSEA President Tim Royers said the association supports students’ constitutional right to form non-curriculum-related clubs, noting those rights are well established under federal law.

“The Nebraska State Education Association supports students’ constitutional rights to form non-curriculum-related clubs that foster civic engagement and personal growth,” Royers said.

However, Royers drew a distinction between student-initiated clubs and a statewide effort directed by the governor’s office, saying decisions about student activities are best made locally by school boards, administrators, educators, parents and students.

The statement also emphasized that public schools must remain politically neutral, adding that educators and school leaders have a responsibility to ensure no political organization is perceived as endorsed by the state or embedded in public schools.

The organization was founded by Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in September at a Turning Point event in Utah, and focuses on growing the conservative movement among high school and college-aged students.