Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Turning Point USA’s Erika Kirk visit Genoa-Kingston High School

A Divisive Event

The assembly was organized by Club America, the high school’s chapter of Turning Point USA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. While organizers framed the event as an educational opportunity to engage students with American history and civic responsibility, the reality proved far more polarizing.

Student reactions to the event were mixed. Genoa-Kingston senior Landon Boehmer expressed disappointment, stating the event “wasn’t educational at all” and felt overtly partisan. According to student accounts, the assembly featured minimal historical content beyond brief trivia questions, while focusing heavily on promotional activities including distribution of Turning Point branded merchandise and chants supporting political figures.

Conversely, supporters of the event painted a different picture. Oliver Piotrowski, president of the school’s Club America chapter, described the atmosphere as patriotic and enthusiastic, with students appreciating the opportunity to hear from prominent speakers.

Transparency and Safety Concerns

The event raised serious questions about transparency and planning within the school district. The Genoa-Kingston Education Association noted that while the event was arranged weeks in advance, students, staff, and families were only informed last week, and the assembly wasn’t discussed at recent Board of Education meetings.

Safety concerns also emerged given the timing of the event. Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. when classes concluded, students who wished to avoid the assembly had limited options since buses didn’t arrive until 3:00 p.m. The teachers’ union requested the event be delayed by an hour to allow students safe departure options.

Community Response

The controversial nature of the event drew significant community attention. Dozens of protesters gathered near the school, with parents and community members voicing concerns about political messaging in educational settings. Parent Nichole Latsis articulated a common sentiment among demonstrators, emphasizing that schools should remain neutral learning environments.

Law enforcement maintained a substantial presence throughout the afternoon, with local police, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies coordinating security measures. Officers utilized drones for traffic monitoring and ensuring public safety as the situation unfolded.