UPDATE: A sophomore at Anchor Bay High School, Madalynn Watraz, is facing threats after launching a conservative club called Club America, affiliated with Turning Point USA. The situation escalated following a social media post about the club, leading to a wave of backlash and intimidation.
Watraz, who maintains a 4.0 GPA and is involved in multiple extracurricular activities, started the club to foster political discourse at her school. However, after its initial announcement on February 12, 2026, the comment section on the club’s Instagram page quickly turned hostile, sparking heated debates and ultimately threats against her safety.
On February 17, 2026, after a club meeting where members created Valentine’s Day cards for seniors, posters promoting the club were mysteriously removed from school grounds. The removal prompted Watraz to inquire with school officials about potential violations of her First Amendment rights. She stated, “I am concerned because the removal of these posters may represent an infringement on my rights.”
The situation intensified when an anonymous Facebook post ridiculed the club, leading to Watraz receiving disturbing phone calls from individuals threatening her safety. “They told me that I needed to watch my back,” she recounted. As fear grips Watraz and her family, her mother, Megan Hemp-Watraz, expressed her alarm over the adults involved in the harassment, stating, “It’s crazy to me, the adults that have bashed and belittled her.”
Despite the escalating threats, the school administration has yet to respond adequately to her concerns. Chelsey Schell, a district spokesperson, confirmed that the situation is under investigation but did not address the threats reported by Watraz. The New Baltimore Police Department has also been contacted but has not commented on the ongoing situation.
While some community members support the club, others have voiced strong opposition, labeling it as indoctrination. One Facebook user commented, “It’s unconstitutional! Public facilities are not billboards,” highlighting the divided opinions surrounding the club’s presence.
Watraz’s experience has stirred concern among her peers, many of whom are hesitant to express conservative views, fearing backlash similar to what she has faced. “I know of students at my school who don’t want to be open about their conservative views because they’re afraid,” she said, underscoring the climate of fear impacting the student body.
As the investigation unfolds, the community watches closely. The next steps for Watraz and her club remain uncertain, but the situation has ignited discussions about free speech and political expression within educational environments.
This developing story sheds light on the challenges young activists face and the urgent need for dialogue and protection in schools. Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve.
