A group of high school students in Rhode Island have taken a stand for free speech after one of their teachers publicly mocked the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Teacher's Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
The incident began in September when Benjamin Fillo, a social studies teacher at Barrington High School, posted a TikTok video following Kirk's murder. In the video, Fillo stated he had 'no sympathy' for the 31-year-old activist and described him as 'garbage.'
Fillo claimed that Kirk was 'a man who hated the LGBTQ community, women's rights, and democracy.' He further criticised Kirk for debating college students, suggesting he prepared his arguments in advance. The teacher concluded his video with the words 'Bye Charlie,' which sparked immediate controversy within the school community.
Student-Led Response and TPUSA Chapter Formation
Students at Barrington High School responded to their teacher's comments by establishing a chapter of Turning Point USA, an organisation promoting conservative values and free speech on campuses.
Brayden Ryan, the chapter's vice president and a freshman at the school, told Fox News Digital that Fillo's remarks directly inspired their action. 'What inspired me personally to start this Turning Point chapter was what the teacher at our school said after Charlie Kirk's death,' Ryan explained. 'He made a TikTok about how he has no remorse over him and how he was a hateful person.'
Ryan addressed the school board following the incident, stating he no longer felt 'comfortable or safe with one of our teachers supporting violence.'
Consequences and Community Fallout
The video prompted significant community reaction, leading to Fillo being placed on administrative leave. According to his LinkedIn profile, Fillo had worked in the school district since 2010.
Caleb Kaplan, president of the new TPUSA chapter, reported receiving mixed feedback from fellow students. 'They have been campaigning or making petitions to get the teacher that we spoke about back in a position,' Kaplan told Fox News.
The controversy extended beyond the school when a local conservative activist and mother requested public records regarding Fillo's curriculum. Barrington Public Schools responded by demanding a payment exceeding $117,000 for the material. The same activist now sends her children to a private school after the National Education Association Rhode Island sued her for submitting public records requests four years earlier.
A school district spokesperson confirmed that 'students are always welcome and encouraged to pursue new clubs that reflect their interests,' while the newly formed TPUSA chapter continues to recruit members despite facing some backlash from peers.
