Statement About Club Of America

From Dean of Students Kaitlyn Kamerman

Posted Dec. 17, 2025

Before the club even began, there was a lot of apprehension about what the club allegedly stood for. People had referred to the club as a “MAGA Club”, a “Charlie Kirk Club” and an “Anti-LGBTQ+ Club”. None of those are accurate representations of what it was supposed to be. The club was designed to focus on American values, understanding the Constitution and the rights of the American people. How many of us have actually read the Constitution or the Bill of Rights? Can you name the five elements of the 1st Amendment? Club America was designed to be a politically neutral entity, despite its origin. Another hope for the club was that it would open up a dialogue between students with differing beliefs and teach them how to debate respectfully, an essential skill for anyone planning on going into a field that requires negotiations, political science, non-profit activism, etc. Unfortunately, many students, parents, and even staff members expressed their concerns to the District Office about the club, arguing that it should not be allowed on our campus. The pressure on the club got to the point where it became a safety issue, if it were to have moved forward. However, despite all of the animosity around it and trying to shut it down, the club accomplished what it set out to do. 

There was a protest on David Douglas High School campus, where members of the community assembled on the sidewalk, protesting the individuals who worked so hard to ensure the club never came into existence. They wanted to shut down the dialogue and refuse a space for students to gather that they felt was lacking on our campus. Inclusivity means creating spaces for ALL of our students, even ones with uncommon beliefs and values. The individuals wanted to shut down the opportunity for dialogue; but they failed. At the protest, students assembled themselves to counter-protest the community members. What I observed was exactly the entire point of the club: students and community members dialoguing about their positions, their beliefs, their values. They were doing this respectfully and intently. By creating such a fuss over this club, the individuals against it actually helped facilitate its purpose. Our students were engaged, curious, insightful, and held true to their own values and beliefs. 

At David Douglas High School, all of our students, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability deserve to have a place where they feel they belong and are accepted. Hopefully one day all of our students will feel like they have a place here at DDHS.