Protest Against Turning Point USA Educators’ Summit in Lincolnshire

Protesters gathered at a Lincolnshire intersection to express their opposition to a conservative Christian educators’ summit. This summit was organized by Turning Point USA, a right-wing group, and held at a nearby hotel. Indivisible’s Lake County chapters, a progressive activist group, arranged the protest. They warned that the group’s goals include introducing ‘white Christian nationalism’ into the education system.

About 60 to 70 people attended the protest, coordinated by Indivisible Western Lake County and Indivisible Northeast Lake County. Katie Sayler from Indivisible NE Lake County stated their aim is to counter authoritarianism and protect community members. ‘We want to speak out to let them know they’re not welcome here,’ she said. Sayler noted their branch maintains a nonpartisan stance, focusing on extreme views rather than partisan issues.

This is the second year Turning Point Education has held its summit in Lake County. Their previous event was in Deerfield. TPUSA officials have not responded to requests for comment. Sayler voiced concerns about TPUSA’s influence on education, claiming their messaging threatens constitutional and women’s rights. According to TPUSA’s website, their goals emphasize Christian and conservative values.

The summit featured nearly 30 speakers, including TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk and various conservative figures. Protesters engaged in chanting, sign-carrying, and drum-beating. Grayslake resident Julia Plescia joined the protest with a ‘Resist’ sign, driven by concern about religious indoctrination in schools. Traffic honked in support of the protesters, though there were also dissenting voices.

Lake County has become more Democratic over two decades, with rising numbers of Democratic voters. In contrast, Republican numbers have declined. Controversial issues occasionally evoke strong local reactions, evidenced by recent events involving school board meetings and protests.

Some protesters claimed TPUSA aims to establish a presence in Lake County. Joe Salvi, a Republican candidate for the Lake County Board, advocates for forming a new generation of Republicans. He leads the Lake County Young Republicans and has helped implement ‘Club America’ in local schools, a high school version of Turning Point.

Although Lake County’s political dynamics are shifting, party leadership faces changes. State Rep. Daniel Didech and Dawn Abernathy have become new leaders for their parties.