Updated again with statement from WHS Principal; The Ghost of Charlie Kirk Comes to Woodbridge High: Updated with a Statement from IUSD

Irvine’s Woodbridge High is of the verge of a state football championship and the school’s Turning Point USA is about to go to war over Transgenderim and Sam Sex Marriage.

On December 11, TPUSA is calling a meeting to discuss these non-issues and asking students to “bring your liberal friends.”  The late Charlie Kirk was a practiced debator — against college students not ready for such a debate.  “What’s a woman?” was his standard question that requires a complex answer.  It didn’t make Charlie a skilled debator.  It made him an asshole.

So, here’s what going on at Woodbridge High next week:

 

The Turning Point USA club at Woodbridge High School has organized a debate on “transgenderism and same sex marriage”. Not only are people’s lives and identities not up for debate, but this is also dangerous, thinly veiled bigotry that threatens the safety of queer WHS students.

In today’s world, where inclusivity and acceptance should be at the forefront of our educational environments, it is concerning to witness the rise of divisive rhetoric by certain groups within our schools. At Woodbridge High School, the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) club has been promoting ideologies and organizing events that students find to be exclusionary and a form of bigotry. This undermines the safe and welcoming atmosphere we strive to uphold at our school.

Turning Point USA nationally is known for its conservative views, but the concern here at WHS is the emphasis on statements and actions by this club that target marginalized communities, thereby fostering an environment of intolerance and discrimination. It is crucial for educational spaces to remain balanced and unbiased, promoting respectful dialogue and understanding among all students, irrespective of their background.

This is not merely a matter of differing opinions; it’s about ensuring that no student feels threatened or marginalized in their learning environment. The impact of such an atmosphere can be detrimental to students’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.

There is a need for immediate action to ensure that WHS remains a place where free expression is balanced with respect and dignity for all students. We urge the school administration to review the activities and rhetoric associated with the TPUSA club and ensure they align with the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If necessary, measures should be taken to revise the club’s agenda to eliminate any form of bigotry and to promote constructive and respectful discussions.

Only by working together can we cultivate a school environment that supports every student, irrespective of their personal beliefs or identity. We call upon the Woodbridge High School administration to take a stand for inclusivity and equality.

Please sign this petition to stop the WHS TPUSA club from propagating bigotry within our school and to help preserve an educational environment that is safe and inclusive for all students.

Let’s see what happens here.  IUSD has strict rules:

IUSD Board Policy 6144: “All classroom instructional programs and/or student activities involving current political issues shall be subject to review and approval by the principal and/or the superintendent to ensure proper planning, appropriateness, objectiveness, fairness and educational value.”

If the principal denies the meeting, TPUSA will scream discrimination.  And remember, TPUSA is defending an Oklahoma Univesity student for punting an assignment for which she got a zero for not following instructions but is becoming the new Riley Gaines.

 

UPDATE, WITH STATEMENT FROM IUSD:

The District Office and school leadership are aware of the concerns being generated by the proposed agenda for the next student-led Turning Point Club meeting at Woodbridge High School and are addressing them. Our responsibility is to maintain a welcoming learning environment for all students. Per IUSD Board Policy, staff are working with the club organizer to ensure proper planning, appropriateness, objectiveness, fairness and educational value.  These elements are required for student activities concerning controversial issues, which also require principal approval, which has not yet been obtained.

 

STATEMENT FROM WHS PRINCIPAL

Dear Woodbridge Families,

I am writing to update our community about a recent matter involving a Woodbridge High School student club. You may be aware that the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) club proposed a debate on “transgenderism and same-sex marriage” during their regularly scheduled meeting next week, which has generated concerns for many in our community. After further consideration, the club will not hold the debate at this time.

We understand these are polarizing and sensitive topics, and we want to acknowledge the concerns shared with us from multiple perspectives. Please know that we are committed to supporting all students and ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued.

When controversial topics arise, our district and school follow a process that balances students’ constitutional right to freedom of speech with our obligation to maintain student safety, prevent disruptions to the learning environment, and support a respectful school climate, consistent with the Supreme Court decision Tinker v. Des Moines (1969). Tinker makes it clear that schools may not restrict student speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular and that students retain their right to freedom of expression while on campus. However, the ruling also states that schools have a responsibility to maintain safe and supportive learning environments and may limit speech or expression if it would materially and substantially disrupt the learning environment or campus, or infringe on the rights of other students.

With this in mind, when there are political or controversial issues on campus, we begin by speaking directly with the students involved to understand their perspectives and what they hope to achieve. Our responsibility is to maintain a welcoming learning environment for all students. Per Board Policy 6144 (Controversial Issues), “All classroom instructional programs and/or student activities involving current political issues shall be subject to review and approval by the principal and/or the superintendent to ensure proper planning, appropriateness, objectiveness, fairness and educational value.” If it is determined that a student-led event, meeting, protest, or activity has the potential to disrupt campus or create an unsafe environment, we attempt to work collaboratively with students to provide alternative options that comply with legal requirements and relevant IUSD Board Policies. If collaboration is not possible or the proposed activity cannot meet these expectations, then the school has both the responsibility and the authority to ensure all students’ rights are protected and to maintain the safe and orderly operation of our campus.

We have also received questions about how clubs are approved on campus. Per the California Code of Regulations, Title V, if a school allows non-academic clubs, we must recognize them in a neutral manner. This means we cannot approve some student clubs and deny others based solely on their viewpoints. However, clubs must comply with all applicable laws, IUSD Board Policies, Woodbridge High’s code of conduct, and the ASB Constitution and Club Handbook.

We understand that our community may face other difficult or controversial issues in the future, and we believe it is important to be transparent about the considerations and responsibilities that guide our decisions. As we navigate challenging topics together, we hope to model that even when we disagree, we can treat one another with dignity, listen with curiosity, and speak with respect.

I know this matter has been difficult for many, and I am grateful for your patience as our team has worked closely with students, staff, families, and District leadership during this time. In addition to the support provided to students throughout last week, if your student feels they need support now or in the coming weeks, please have them contact our counseling team, talk to their teacher(s) or other trusted adults on campus.

Thank you for your continued grace and partnership as we move forward together.

Sincerely,

Linzi Gorzycki
Principal