FREEPORT —State Senator Andrew Chesney (R–Freeport) is raising concerns over reports that pressure is being applied to alter the timing of a student-organized Turning Point USA–affiliated event at Genoa-Kingston High School in a way that would significantly reduce student participation.
“While disagreement is inevitable in education, the use of administrative or procedural tactics to suppress lawful student expression should never be acceptable, particularly when driven by political ideology rather than legitimate policy or safety concerns,” Senator Chesney said.
Senator Chesney noted that efforts by the teachers’ union to move the event to a later time raise serious concerns about viewpoint discrimination and an apparent attempt to make student expression intentionally inconvenient.
“Public schools exist to educate, not to serve as enforcement arms for political activism,” Senator Chesney said. “If this event were aligned with progressive causes, there would likely be no objection to holding it during the school day when participation is highest.”
Senator Chesney expressed confidence in district leadership and emphasized the importance of safety, while encouraging administrators to maintain the originally approved time to allow for maximum student participation.
He said he stands firmly with students who are engaging in the civic process and urged the district to ensure student-led expression is treated equally, regardless of viewpoint.
