A high school in the United States has ignited a political debate after launching a dedicated socialist club for its students, tapping into a growing interest in socialist theory among younger Americans.
A Club for Political Education
Highland Park High School in New Jersey advertised the new extracurricular group with a poster quoting the famous rallying cry, 'Workers of the world, unite!' The promotional material featured an image of German philosopher Karl Marx alongside the message: 'we want you to help us build a better world.'
The club stated its aim is to give students a space to learn about socialism and explore 'ways to solve social problems that don't involve exploiting the working class.' Its inaugural meeting took place on December 4. Organisers also promised participants would develop media literacy skills through the club's activities.
Administration Cites Legal Obligations
The school district's superintendent, Kristina Susca, addressed the establishment of the club in a statement. She explained that all high school clubs are subject to the federal Equal Access Act. This law requires school districts to allow extracurricular clubs irrespective of their political, religious, or philosophical content, provided they are student-initiated.
Highland Park is a small suburb with a population of approximately 15,000, located less than 40 miles south of New York City.
Socialism's Shifting Popularity Among the Young
The club's formation coincides with research indicating a notable generational shift in attitudes towards socialism in the US. A survey conducted by the Cato Institute found that 62% of Americans aged 18 to 29 hold a positive view of socialism.
However, nationwide sentiment remains more sceptical. A recent Gallup Poll indicated that, on average, only 39% of all Americans have a positive attitude toward socialism. This support breaks down sharply along partisan lines, with just 14% of Republicans viewing it positively compared to 66% of Democrats.
The rise of figures like New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has become a focal point for conservative commentary on the trend.
Groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) advocate for a form of socialism that operates within a democratic framework, promoting policies like 'Medicare for All' and collective ownership of key industries. This contrasts with Marxist theory, which envisions a centralised state eventually 'withering away' to achieve a communist society.
The creation of the school club highlights the ongoing and often heated national conversation about political ideology, education, and the values being discussed in classrooms across the country.
