With the rising political turmoil impacting the United States, it has become increasingly difficult for people to feel they can safely exercise their First Amendment right to free speech. That’s where Club America steps in. Funded by Turning Point U.S.A., the club promotes free thinking and civil discussion regarding the government and current events.

  “The main focus is understanding [civil discourse] and educating our members on the best ways to handle disagreements[s] while maintaining respect for the opposing viewpoints,” says club President Paige March. March became president because of her belief in respectful discussion, which she found to be lacking after the death of Charlie Kirk. “When Charlie died, I realized just how scarce respectful, open discussion is in our country and how desperately we need it. I wanted to create that space for people, no matter their ideas and beliefs.” 

  Adding to these hopes is junior Matthew Thompson, the club secretary. “I joined because I know that when people stop having civil discourse and begin dehumanizing those who disagree, the product is violence, and we saw that product on Sept. 10. Me, Paige, and Claire got together and started this club because we want to give people a safe place to discuss real world issues and to promote their beliefs without fear of name calling or dehumanization,” says Thompson.

  Their goals of “disagreeing agreeably,” however, have been met with backlash. The club’s introduction post was reposted to the school story with many comments saying things like “I guess we have a racist club now.” When asked about this, Thompson said: “You don’t have to agree with my political beliefs; you just must understand why I believe what I believe.”

  “I want to make it clear, Club America welcomes everyone, and we encourage anyone who is skeptical to attend a meeting and decide for themselves what they believe,” says March.