Governor Mike Braun issued a proclamation on March 11 reaffirming freedom of speech as a foundational American value and calling on Indiana schools and universities to facilitate student organizations like Turning Point USA that promote liberty and open dialogue.
The proclamation recognizes freedom of speech as a “foundational human right that protects each person’s search for the truth and pursuit of happiness in society.” It emphasizes that robust, open dialogue strengthens communities by fostering civic engagement, innovation, government accountability and understanding among people with diverse viewpoints.
Turning Point USA is a conservative youth organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk that focuses on promoting free markets and limited government on high school and college campuses and is now led by CEO Erika Kirk, who succeeded her late husband following his September 2025 assassination.
“I commend the work of Turning Point USA’s Club America and other organizations dedicated to fostering an appreciation for American exceptionalism, the importance of constitutional rights, and standing for freedom,” Braun said. “I call on all schools and universities in Indiana to take all necessary steps to facilitate student organizations like Turning Point USA that foster the values of liberty and freedom of speech in the next generation of Hoosiers.”
The proclamation cites both the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 9 of the Indiana Constitution, which provides that: “No law shall be passed, restraining the free interchange of thought and opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print, freely, on any subject whatever.”
Voter registration partnership
Separately, Secretary of State Diego Morales announced a statewide partnership with Club America, the youth engagement arm of Turning Point USA, to increase voter registration and poll worker recruitment across Indiana.
The initiative brings voter registration drives to high school campuses, providing students with “accurate, up-to-date” election information and on-site registration assistance, according to a press release. The effort will also highlight the “Hoosier Hall Pass” program, which allows eligible students to serve as poll workers.
“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, my priority is ensuring every eligible Hoosier has the opportunity to register to vote and participate in our elections,” Morales said. “I’m excited to partner with Club America on this initiative allowing us to meet young voters where they are and empower them with the tools and resources they need to engage in the civic process.”
Since 2023, the Secretary of State’s office has facilitated hundreds of non-partisan voter registration events at schools, colleges, fairs, festivals, sporting events and public gatherings.
“We believe the next generation of leaders are sitting in America’s classrooms,” Club America Enterprise Director Nick Cocca said. “Through our Club America chapters and partnership with Secretary Morales, we’re making it easier for Indiana students to register to vote, serve their communities, and use their voice.”
The next generation of voices
Both initiatives target young Hoosiers, aiming to build what officials describe as the next generation of informed voters and leaders.
“Young Hoosiers are the future of our state,” Morales said. “By engaging students early and providing hands-on opportunities to participate and serve, we are building the next generation of informed voters and leaders.”
Braun’s proclamation encourages all Hoosiers to “engage in respectful discourse, seek mutual understanding in the pursuit of truth, and uphold the free speech principles that enrich and preserve our shared civic life.”
Indiana schools and Turning Point USA chapters interested in hosting voter registration drives or learning more about poll worker opportunities are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office.
Contact Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
