Hundreds of Royal Oak High School students walked out of class on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to protest against the formation of a Turning Point USA chapter at the school. The protest, led by senior Leilani Hamilton, drew in over 250 students and sparked a discussion with the superintendent and classmates on political clubs, school values, and student voices.
TPUSA is a national nonprofit organization, founded in 2012 by the late Charlie Kirk. The organization promotes conservation and free-market principles on high school and college campuses. While its chapters across the nation have sparked controversy for the topics discussed and comments made, it has attracted many supporters and critics. The group’s arrival marks the first time it has had an official presence at ROHS.
The new club was founded by junior Bruno Rochon and is supervised by teacher Leslie Dinkelmann. Rochon has said that his motivation for forming the club stemmed from a desire to create a space for open discussion and faith-based service.
“I just thought that we deserve a voice,” Rochon said. “Similarly to the ROHS Dems, I wanted a space for people who share certain political and religious values to come together.”
Rochon said he understands the concerns surrounding the group’s past and its reputation, but he believes that this local chapter can bring something different to the table.
“It gets the reputation of being hateful — I completely get that, because I’ve seen clips that I don’t personally agree with either,” he said. “But I want to incorporate other things that can be outside of politics, like religion and community.”
He added that his goal is to create a non-partisan environment where students can share ideas and beliefs respectfully.
“The original goal was unity,” Rochon explained. “I wanted anybody to be able to come in and discuss. — I just want respectful conversation.”
After the club’s Instagram launched, some students voiced their opinions and discomfort with the organization in the comments.
One commenter wrote, “A hate organization has no place in a school full of minorities.”
In response to the announcement of the club, Hamilton began to organize a walk out to express students’ feelings and disagreement with the organization having a presence at ROHS.
Hamilton said she felt inspired by what she sees as a disconnect between the school’s values and the TPUSA image.
The protest began after the first bell on Wednesday and lasted throughout the school day, staying peaceful.
“I made sure it stayed peaceful and respectful by reminding people what we stood for, and that we stood for community,” Hamilton said. “I was hoping it would send the message to students that their voices hold a lot of meaning in the school systems.”
Hamilton noted that she has received mainly positive feedback from both staff and classmates.
“Staff and students have told me they’re thankful for my voice standing out,” she said. “I do wish there was more turnout, but I’m grateful for how many people showed up.”
Rochon said he respected the students’ right to express their feelings towards the club.
“I’m glad that people were able to express how they felt,” he said. “I don’t want anybody to be silenced — that’s not what I wanted for this country.”
Both Rochon and Hamilton expressed a mutual hope for the continued conversation at school.
“Yes, I believe it will lead to conversation — and I believe it will be productive,” Hamilton said. Rochon agreed, adding, “Over time, I hope we can make our chapter something positive that adds to respectful dialogue at school.”
School administrators confirmed that the protest and the formation of the club were conducted according to school policy. The ROHS TPUSA club had its first meeting on the morning of November 10th.
As students and staff continue to discuss the club and protest alike, it’s important to remember that Royal Oak High School does not condone any bullying, harassment, or personal attacks on any student or staff member. The ROHS community is encouraged to discuss views respectfully and maintain the school’s commitment to inclusivity and safety for all students and staff on both sides of this issue.
