UPDATE: A high school sophomore in New Baltimore, Michigan, is facing serious backlash and threats after launching a conservative club at Anchor Bay High School. Madalynn Watraz, a dedicated student involved in multiple extracurricular activities, including student council and varsity bowling, initiated Club America in November 2025, inspired by the conservative organization Turning Point USA.
The situation escalated following a social media post about the club, igniting heated debates and hostility. “Not everybody’s going to support the club and I understand that,” Watraz stated, but she was unprepared for the threats that soon followed.
On February 12, 2025, Club America hosted a meeting to create Valentine’s Day cards for seniors. Afterward, Watraz and her members displayed promotional posters around the school, which were part of an “activism kit” provided by Turning Point USA. However, when classes resumed on February 17, Watraz discovered that many of her posters had been removed. An anonymous Facebook post ridiculed the club, accumulating over 165 comments ranging from support to severe criticism.
Watraz expressed her concerns in an email to school officials, asserting that the removal of her posters infringed on her First Amendment rights. “My understanding is that students are permitted to express their viewpoints, including religious perspectives,” she wrote. Despite her plea, school spokesperson Chelsey Schell confirmed that the administration is still investigating the matter.
The situation took a dark turn when Watraz received threatening phone calls, where anonymous voices declared they knew her address and warned her to “watch her back.” “It’s just… it’s been a lot,” she said, visibly shaken by the hostility. Videos surfaced online, showing someone allegedly burning her club’s posters, intensifying her distress.
As the week progressed, Watraz grew frustrated with the lack of communication from school authorities, particularly because she believes that if the roles were reversed, she would face significant disciplinary action. “I feel that I would already be in trouble,” she remarked.
Watraz’s mother, Megan Hemp-Watraz, expressed her concern about the situation, stating it has made her daughter anxious about attending school and participating in activities. “It sucks to see the kids talk to her like this, but it’s even more alarming the amount of adults that have gone after her,” she said.
In light of the threats, Megan contacted the New Baltimore Police Department, which has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the school administration has not acknowledged the threats Watraz has faced, leading to further public frustration.
This developing story highlights the tensions surrounding political expression in schools, particularly as students navigate their rights amidst rising hostility. As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how Anchor Bay High School will address these critical issues of free speech and student safety.
What’s next? The school is expected to review security footage to identify who removed the posters and respond to concerns about student safety. With rising tensions, the fate of Club America—and the safety of its members—hangs in the balance.
