1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Governor Jim Pillen's announced partnership with Turning Point USA to establish Club America chapters in every Nebraska high school. This initiative represents an inappropriate use of state resources to promote a specific political organization in our public schools. The Nebraska Department of Education has long maintained that student clubs are a local decision, with individual school boards setting the rules. This partnership undermines local control by pressuring districts statewide to adopt chapters of a national political organization. Brandon Lavaley, superintendent of Wahoo Public Schools, noted that clubs in his district typically require curriculum connections, such as foreign language club, math club, and SECLA. A political advocacy organization does not meet this educational standard. Nebraska would join Montana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas in adopting this model. These existing partnerships have raised serious questions about state governments using their authority and resources to promote political causes in public schools. Our students deserve an educational environment focused on critical thinking skills and academic excellence, not one where the governor's office partners with partisan organizations to expand their presence. The announcement specifically addresses what happens if school administrators block or delay students from forming chapters, suggesting the state may override local decision making authority. This is deeply concerning. School boards are elected by their communities to make these decisions, not to have political partnerships imposed from the state level. I urge you to oppose any state funding or official support for this partnership. Public schools should remain spaces where students can explore diverse viewpoints and develop their own informed opinions, free from state sponsored political advocacy. Local school boards, not the governor's office, should determine which student organizations align with their educational mission and community values.