PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A heated but mostly peaceful protest unfolded Wednesday outside David Douglas High School in Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood, as students and parents clashed over the formation of a new conservative student group known as Club America.
A Student-Led Club Draws Backlash
Club America, created by a David Douglas High School student, has drawn criticism from some students and parents who say it resembles Turning Point USA, a right-wing campus organization founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Supporters say the club promotes patriotism and free expression, while opponents fear it could sow division among the school’s diverse student body.
“We can disagree about the politics of this,” said James Saint, an adult counter-protester supporting the club. “This is a group of people that enjoy the freedom they have to share what they believe in.”
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Students Voice Concern Over Division
Some students expressed apprehension about the club’s intentions, saying it risks creating ideological tension at a school known for its multicultural environment.
“The concern is that we might end up with a radicalized right group in our school,” said student Micah Coleman, one of the organizers of the student-led protest. “With all the diversity that we have here, that’s a real threat to our students.”
Dozens of students gathered after classes ended, holding handmade signs and chanting slogans outside the school. Staff members and administrators monitored the event to ensure safety and order.
Tempers Flare Briefly
While most of the protest remained civil, a brief shouting match broke out between a parent and several students. Witnesses said tensions spiked when one adult protester told counter-protesters to “go away,” prompting a verbal back-and-forth and a chorus of students chanting, “They suck! They suck!”
The confrontation lasted only a few minutes before school staff stepped in and restored calm.
District Responds, Reaffirms Free Speech
In a written statement, the David Douglas School District emphasized its commitment to both free speech and student safety.
“Any demonstrations or expressions of speech must remain peaceful and within students’ First Amendment rights,” the statement read. “We also want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting students’ rights to form clubs and express themselves in ways that are respectful and inclusive.”
The district added that non-students are barred from entering the building during club meetings and that individuals not affiliated with the school are prohibited from protesting on school grounds.
A Lesson in Dialogue
Despite the tensions, both sides appeared to find common ground by the end of the day. Several participants said the experience underscored the importance of open discussion — even when disagreements run deep.
“Even with this going on behind us, there’s a lot of division right now,” said Coleman. “I think the most important thing is that we all just love each other.”
The district said it would continue to monitor the situation and support opportunities for students to engage in dialogue that promotes understanding rather than conflict.
