A social studies teacher at Rhode Island’s Barrington High School, expressed disdain for Charlie Kirk on social media in the aftermath of his passing, alleging the late TPUSA founder of hating the LGBTQ community along with feminism, prompting outrage in the school’s community. Reacting to his assassination, the teacher, Benjamin Fillo, also mocked the late Kirk: “Thought he proved how tough he was with his words… What a piece of garbage. Look what happens… Bye, Charlie!” he wrote.
In direct response to Fillo’s remarks, Barrington students have cooperated to launch a chapter at the school.
Brayden Ryan, one of the students behind the effort, explained his motive for starting a chapter.
“What inspired me personally to start this Turning Point chapter was the teacher at our school said after Charlie Kirk’s death, he made a TikTok about how he has no remorse over him and how he was a hateful person,” Ryan told Fox News.
The high school appears welcoming of the TPUSA chapter, confirming it will undergo the same approval process as any other school club.
“Barrington High School students are always welcome and encouraged to pursue new clubs that reflect their interests,” said Sarah Dell, a spokesperson for Barrington Public Schools. “As with all proposed student organizations, there is a process outlined in our student activities protocol. The group of students expressing interest in forming a student Turning Point USA chapter has been provided that information. This is one of about a dozen new proposed student clubs currently moving through the same process.”
Fillo was placed on administrative leave by the Barrington Public Schools for his remarks. Efforts have been made to get Fillo another role within the district, according to chapter president Caleb Kaplan. However, he has no desire to contest Fillo’s reinstatement as a faculty member.
“We don’t reward hate with hate,” Kaplan said. “All we do is we push harder and we try to recruit more people to join.”
In the months following the passing of Charlie Kirk, several students in US high schools and colleges have made efforts to establish Turning Point USA chapters on campuses. However, some have been met with backlash from fellow students and school administrations.
