Nebraska Governor Partners with Turning Point USA to Expand 'Club America' in Public Schools

Move sparks concerns over political neutrality in education

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a new partnership with the conservative organization Turning Point USA to expand the group's 'Club America' chapters to every high school in the state. The move has raised concerns from education advocates and the state's Democratic party about maintaining political neutrality in public schools.

Why it matters

This partnership between the governor's office and a politically-charged organization like Turning Point USA raises questions about the appropriate role of partisan politics in public education. There are concerns that this could lead to the promotion of a specific political ideology in schools, which many believe should remain neutral environments focused on impartial learning.

The details

Governor Pillen said the partnership will help 'young people learn more about the Constitution, develop leadership skills and be engaged in civic civil engagement.' However, critics argue that Turning Point USA has a clear right-wing agenda and that embedding their 'Club America' chapters in public high schools is inappropriate. The Nebraska State Education Association president stated that decisions about student activities should be made locally, not through a statewide mandate from the governor's office.

  • On February 11, 2026, Governor Pillen announced the new partnership with Turning Point USA.
  • As of the announcement, 'Club America' chapters have already been started in 22 Nebraska high schools, with Lincoln East High School being the only one in the Lincoln Public School district.

The players

Jim Pillen

The Governor of Nebraska who announced the partnership with Turning Point USA.

Turning Point USA

A conservative non-profit organization that promotes right-wing political views, particularly on college campuses. They are the group behind the 'Club America' high school chapters that the governor wants to expand across Nebraska.

Nancy Brt

A protester who gathered outside the governor's mansion, stating 'It's just not right to put right-wing talking points into our schools.'

Nick Cocca

The enterprise director for Turning Point USA's 'Club America' program.

Jane Kleeb

The chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, who issued a joint statement criticizing the governor's partnership with Turning Point USA.

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What they’re saying

“We can help young people learn more about the Constitution, develop leadership skills and be engaged in civic civil engagement.”

— Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska (klkntv.com)

“It's just not right to put right-wing talking points into our schools.”

— Nancy Brt, Protester (klkntv.com)

“Essentially, if we had any issues where administrators or anyone was trying to stop a student from starting a club, generally, they would have to answer to the state on that.”

— Nick Cocca, Enterprise Director, Turning Point USA (klkntv.com)

“Today, Governor Pillen blurred the line between church and state, and is distracting from the financial shortfall our state is in with this announcement to partner up with Turning Point USA.”

— Jane Kleeb, Chair, Nebraska Democratic Party (klkntv.com)

“Decisions about student activities are best made locally by school boards, administrators, educators, parents and students – not through a statewide mandate.”

— Tim Royers, President, Nebraska State Education Association (klkntv.com)

What’s next

The Nebraska State Education Association has indicated that they will be closely monitoring the implementation of this partnership to ensure public schools remain politically neutral environments. Additionally, the Nebraska Democratic Party has stated they will continue to voice concerns about the governor's actions.

The takeaway

This partnership between the Nebraska governor's office and the conservative Turning Point USA organization has raised significant concerns about the appropriate role of partisan politics in public education. Many believe public schools should remain neutral environments focused on impartial learning, not the promotion of specific ideological agendas.