Indiana residents are reacting with anger and disbelief after news broke that state leaders are preparing to partner with Turning Point USA to expand conservative student chapters across public schools.
The Indianapolis Star first reported the plan, but it’s since exploded over on Reddit as Indiana citizens shared their disgust. Quotes in this article are lifted from the thread over on r/indiana.
“No way they’re trying to teach the teachings of Charlie Kirk to our children…. Are we actually living in these times?”
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow Erika Kirk, is expected to be formally announced as a state partner on March 12. While state officials have yet to detail enforcement mechanisms, similar partnerships in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida have included threats of disciplinary action against schools accused of blocking TPUSA chapters.
That prospect alarmed many citizens, who framed the move as a violation of both educational neutrality and common sense.
“I do not want my tax dollars spent on this,” one commenter said, while another added, “Seriously… can we just get some roads? Maybe some side-of-road cleanup and park maintenance?”
A recurring theme in the discussion was the perception that the state is actively promoting one political ideology while claiming to defend free speech. Several commenters cited First Amendment concerns, ironically echoing the legal cautions raised by experts quoted in the IndyStar article itself.
The rhetoric escalated further as users debated Kirk’s legacy, with multiple commenters arguing that his death transformed him into a political symbol more powerful than his actual influence while alive.
“When Charlie was alive he was just ‘some bozo with a podcast.’ After he died, he became a ‘conservative legend. His death was TPUSA’s best marketing strategy.”
Beyond outrage, the thread revealed deeper frustration with Indiana’s political trajectory. Several users said they had already left the state, citing education policy, culture wars, and political polarization.
“Indiana – Alabama of the Midwest – sadly your state is too far gone,” one wrote. Another added, “This is why we left Indiana years ago, and will never come back.”
Some users turned inward, placing blame on voter apathy and low turnout among younger Hoosiers.
“These are the consequences of not getting out and voting. The idea that I don’t need to vote because the masses will show common sense simply won’t cut it.”
As reported by the Indianapolis Star, public schools are already bound by the Equal Access Act and existing case law, which prohibit viewpoint discrimination among student clubs. First Amendment experts have warned that state-sponsored promotion of a specific political organization could invite legal challenges depending on how the partnership is implemented.
For now, details remain scarce, but if Indiana citizens’ reaction on Reddit is any indication, the upcoming announcement is unlikely to calm public sentiment.
