03-12-2026 Gov. Mike Braun Partners with Turning Point USA to Support Freedom of Speech, Open Dialogue, and American Values

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 12, 2026

Gov. Mike Braun Partners with Turning Point USA to Support Freedom of Speech, Open Dialogue, and American Values

INDIANAPOLIS -Today, Governor Mike Braun held an event with Turning Point USA and issued a proclamation reaffirming freedom of speech as a foundational American value to be defended and celebrated, supporting open dialogue and individual liberty, and calling on all Indiana schools and universities to take all steps to facilitate student organizations like Turning Point USA chapters that foster the values of liberty and freedom of speech for the next generation.

"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. 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." - Governor Mike Braun

The proclamation recognizes that freedom of speech is a foundational human right that protects each person's search for the truth and pursuit of happiness in society and that the exchange of ideas is essential to promote a healthy, dynamic, and informed society.

Governor Braun also commended "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."

It also emphasizes that "robust, open dialogue strengthens communities by fostering civic engagement, innovation, government accountability, understanding, and respect among people with diverse viewpoints."

Text from the proclamation:

Freedom of speech is a foundational human right that protects each person ' s search for the truth and pursuit of happiness in society; and

The exchange of ideas is essential to promote a healthy, dynamic, and informed society; and

Robust, open dialogue strengthens communities by fostering civic engagement, innovation, government accountability, understanding, and respect among people with diverse viewpoints; and

Promoting a culture of open dialogue requires continual effort to ensure the preservation of individual liberty and the vitality of Indiana ' s democratic institutions; and

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits government actors from abridging the freedom of speech; and

Article 1, Section 9 of the Indiana Constitution provides " 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; but for the abuse of that right, every person shall be responsible."

Now, therefore, I, Mike Braun, Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby proclaim the following. First, I reaffirm freedom of speech as a core value worthy of ongoing protection and celebration within our communities. Next, 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. Third, I call on all schools and universities in Indiana to take all necessary steps to facilitate student organizations-such as Turning Point USA-that foster the values of liberty and freedom of speech in their students and institutions. Finally, I encourage 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.

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Griffin Reid
Office of Governor Mike Braun
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 317-391-9475