Club USA Provides Students a Safe Space for Political Discourse

"You have two ears but only one mouth for a reason. Try to listen more than you speak.”

These words from R. J. Palacio, the author of Wonder, have been taken to heart by members of Club USA, one of O’Connell’s newest additions. This school year, the club was founded by former President Ethan Defeo (class of 2026), with the hope of creating a space where students here at DJO could discuss our country’s current pressing political issues, hear all different perspectives and sides about these matters, and find common ground across the political spectrum.

“The primary goal [of the club] is not so much debate, or to sway the other side of the matter, but to foster conversation,” said Mr. Schell, Club USA’s moderator. “We want to have challenging conversations that help everybody participating understand their side. If you change your mind, great. But I really just want everybody coming away from our conversation with a better understanding of why they do or don’t believe in their side.”

Ethan had initially wanted to create a chapter of Turning Point USA at Bishop O’Connell, however it worked better with school policy to be Club USA; not directly affiliated with the organization, but ‘TPUSA adjacent,’ having the same discussions as them. At meetings (which are usually once or twice a month and announced via email) students gather in Mr. Schell’s room (123), and watch a short slideshow on the topic of discussion for the day - presented by one or two of CUSA’s officers - before opening up the floor to conversation. Everyone is encouraged to share their perspectives, no matter where they stand on the issue.

“A lot of people think our club is limited to just one party, but that isn’t the case,” said club secretary Keegan Davenport (Class of 2028). “The purpose of CUSA is to facilitate a conversation and open the dialogue to all, including individuals on all sides of the political spectrum, from liberal to conservative.”

These topics, of course, can be highly sensitive, and must be discussed with discretion. “I have learned [through sponsorship of the club] that it's difficult to shepherd these conversations because of the nature of what we're discussing,” said Mr. Schell. “Because these are highly current events, and sometimes they may be emotionally charged, it’s hard walking the line of having a productive conversation and upsetting teenagers.”

Club USA has opened a window of opportunity for students here at O’Connell. While we do hear the news through social media, our parents, and of course The Visor, we are not always fully informed on current events. Teenagers balance demanding schedules filled with school, sports, extracurriculars, and the everyday challenges of high school life, leaving little time to stay updated on everything happening in the world. In its first year alone, Club USA has proven that students at O’Connell want more than headlines and social media clips. They want meaningful discussion, deeper understanding, and a voice in conversations about the future of their country. 

(Editor’s Note: Amaya Katherine Kohli (author) is President of Club USA)