A meeting planned by Jenison High School’s Club America chapter caused controversy when photos of flyers circulated online with phrases such as “Are Muslims bad news for America?” and “Is Islam compatible with Western civilization?”
Club America is an offshoot of Turning Point USA, co-founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk and boasting over 3,500 chapters across the country.
In a letter to parents, Jenison Public Schools Superintendent Brandon Graham stated the meeting was cancelled due to “threats of protests and potential violence outside the event.”
Residents like Joe Spaulding say he questions the basis for the cancellation, saying he saw no evidence of threats.
“I do not think Jenison Public Schools, in this instance or historically, have been strong, decent, or even okay in responding to situations where their student body has expressed some pretty awful things publicly.”
In 2022, a video surfaced of students at a Jenison basketball game making ape-like noises and gestures at a Black player.
In his letter to parents, Graham stated, “We also recognize that the subject matter associated with the club’s recent social media post has generated considerable concern and division within our school community. While JPS does not endorse the viewpoints expressed by student-initiated clubs, we remain committed to ensuring that discussions and activities occurring within our schools are consistent with district policies and legal standards.”
