Protesters gathered on Tuesday evening at an intersection in Lincolnshire to express their opposition to the conservative Christian educators’ summit hosted by Turning Point USA. This event took place at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, organized by two Lake County chapters of Indivisible, a progressive activist group.
According to an organizer, these groups warned about the summit’s aim to integrate “white Christian nationalism” into the educational system. Indivisible Western Lake County and Indivisible Northeast Lake County led the protest, attracting about 60 to 70 attendees. Katie Sayler, a representative from Indivisible NE Lake County, shared the group’s objective of resisting authoritarianism and safeguarding community members. “We want to speak out to let them know they’re not welcome here,” Sayler affirmed.
Sayler highlighted the group’s nonpartisan stance, emphasizing that their concerns lie mainly with extremist ideologies. “White Christian nationalism and the more extreme MAGA perspective are our primary concerns,” she said. She also conveyed worries about the message Turning Point USA conveys. This isn’t the first time their initiative, Turning Point Education, has held its annual summit in Lake County; it also happened in Deerfield in 2023. TPUSA officials did not provide comments on this matter as of Wednesday.
Sayler expressed concerns about TPUSA’s intentions with educational systems. “They aim to infiltrate our educational system, that pillar of power,” she noted. The TPUSA website openly supports Christian and conservative goals, describing their dedication to “reclaiming education for our children” and “restoring God as the foundation of education.”
The summit hosted nearly 30 speakers, including TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk. Other presenters included the founder of the ACE scholarship program, several Republican politicians, and various conservative activists. They endorsed a “Biblical worldview” in classrooms, as outlined on the online event page.
The protestors carried signs, chanted, and beat drums, targeting both President Donald Trump and TPUSA. Julia Plescia, a former school nurse and board member, participated. She brought a small cardboard “Resist” sign, expressing opposition to religious indoctrination in schools. “I hadn’t known much about TPUSA before, but I’m concerned they might push their beliefs on others,” Plescia stated.
The demonstration saw mixed reactions from passing drivers. Some honked in approval, while others, like a disapproving driver, revved their engine and blew exhaust at the protesters.
Over the past two decades, Lake County shows a trend toward Democratic preferences, with Democratic presidential candidates winning in the past five elections. Republican numbers have been dwindling. However, TPUSA is attempting to establish a presence here.
Joe Salvi, a Republican candidate for the Lake County Board District, discussed building a new Republican generation in the area. He leads the Lake County Young Republicans and helped create “Club America” chapters in local schools. Club America aims to engage high school students with TPUSA values.
Lately, Lake County witnessed shifts in party leadership; State Rep. Daniel Didech and Dawn Abernathy are now the respective Democratic and Republican heads.