Controversy sparks over Gov. Pillen’s new partnership with Turning Point USA

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen announced a partnership with Turning Point USA on Tuesday.

Pillen said he will work with the organization to spread their “Club America” chapters to every high school in the state.

“We can help young people learn more about the Constitution, develop leadership skills and be engaged in civic civil engagement,” he said.

But while he gave a speech, protesters gathered outside the governor’s mansion.

“It’s just not right to put right-wing talking points into our schools,” Nancy Brt said.

Club America chapters have been started in 22 Nebraska high schools.

Lincoln East is the only school with a chapter in the Lincoln Public School District.

Nick Cocca is the enterprise director for Club America. He joined Pillen and dozens of high school students to make the announcement.

He was asked what the partnership means moving forward.

“Essentially, if we had any issues where administrators or anyone was trying to stop a student from starting a club, generally, they would have to answer to the state on that,” Cocca said.

LPS said the district “has a long-established process for the development and operation of student clubs at high schools and conforms with legal guidance.”

The partnership between TPUSA and Pillen has raised concerns about whether the state should push for such chapters in public schools.

Jane Kleeb, the Nebraska Democratic Party chair, made a joint statement with Chloe Fowler, the Nebraska Young Democrats president.

“Today, Governor Pillen blurred the line between church and state, and is distracting from the financial shortfall our state is in with this announcement to partner up with Turning Point USA,” they said.

The Nebraska State Education Association also weighed in.

President Tim Royers said public schools must remain politically neutral environments.

“Decisions about student activities are best made locally by school boards, administrators, educators, parents and students – not through a statewide mandate,” Royers said.

Pillen was not available to answer questions after the announcement.

When Cocca was asked what kind of actions or funding would be used to expand Club America, there was no clear answer.