A recent controversy at Natrona County High School (NCHS) has sparked widespread discussion across Wyoming, involving a student's attempt to establish a new club, allegations against the principal, and a district-wide response. The situation centers on senior Kylie Wall's efforts to form a Club America chapter, an organization affiliated with Turning Point USA. This initiative led to claims of administrative obstruction and concerns about student free speech.
Key Takeaways
- NCHS student Kylie Wall sought to establish a Club America chapter, a Turning Point USA affiliate.
- Wall alleged Principal Aaron Wilson created unnecessary obstacles and infringed on her First Amendment rights.
- Principal Wilson and Superintendent Angela Hensley stated that standard club approval processes were followed for all groups.
- Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder publicly supported Wall and emphasized student free speech rights.
- The controversy highlights ongoing debates about student activism, school policies, and free speech in educational settings.
Student Initiates Club America Chapter
Kylie Wall, a senior at Natrona County High School, expressed her desire to create a Club America chapter at her school. Club America serves as the high school counterpart to Turning Point USA. Following the death of Turning Point USA's CEO in September, new chapters of the organization began forming nationwide. Turning Point USA describes Club America's mission as mobilizing students "to lead, speak up, and stand for the tried-and-true American values of freedom, free markets, and limited government."
Wall stated in interviews with statewide media that Principal Aaron Wilson hindered her efforts. She claimed he made the club creation process overly difficult. Wall also reported that Wilson "hesitated" when she initially proposed starting a Turning Point USA chapter at NCHS. These allegations quickly drew public attention and media scrutiny.
School Administration Responds to Allegations
Principal Aaron Wilson denied Wall's claims of hesitation or differential treatment. He explained that all clubs at Natrona County High School must follow a standard approval process. This process begins with completing a specific form and providing relevant information about the club's purpose and activities. "We have a process that we have to follow for all clubs," Wilson told Oil City News. He emphasized that the school supports a wide range of student interests, citing examples like a reptile club, a 'Dungeons & Dragons' Club, and a cosmetology club, all of which undergo the same application procedure.
"As long as they have a sponsor, and they've got an interest and some kids that want to do it, if we can meet the need, we do," Wilson said. "So no, I wasn't hesitant. We just followed the process and sometimes the process takes a little bit longer based on how long it takes students to get their information to us and go from there."
Club Approval Process
- Students must fill out an official club form.
- Relevant club information needs to be submitted.
- A faculty sponsor is required for approval.
- The process is consistent for all clubs, regardless of their focus.
Natrona County School District (NCSD1) Superintendent Angela Hensley supported Principal Wilson's statements. She noted that while minor procedural differences might exist between schools within the district, such as elementary versus high school forms, these variations do not target or complicate the establishment of any specific club. Hensley affirmed the district's commitment to supporting diverse student interests.
Allegations of Media Interference and Poster Removal
Wall also accused Principal Wilson of attempting to control her interactions with the media. She claimed he either disallowed her from speaking to reporters or insisted on being present during interviews. Wilson refuted this, stating he followed district protocol by directing media requests to the public relations director, Tanya Southerland. "I never said no," Wilson explained. "I followed our district processes. I sent the media request to our public relations director."
District Media Policy
NCSD1 policy encourages students to coordinate media interactions through district channels. If a student chooses to speak with a reporter outside of school, it is their personal decision, ideally made in conjunction with their parents or guardians. This practice aims to ensure student safety and proper representation, according to Superintendent Hensley.
Another point of contention involved a Club America poster. Wall reported hearing a teacher tear down one of her club's posters from a school wall. Principal Wilson did not confirm the incident but stated that any concerns about student or staff conduct are addressed through internal processes. Superintendent Hensley clarified that specific details regarding personnel or individual students cannot be publicly shared due to privacy reasons.
During a NCSD1 Board of Trustees meeting, fellow NCHS student Brinnan Heaton, co-captain of the speech and debate team, offered a possible explanation for a poster's removal. Heaton noted that Club America posters were seen "in several places where posters are not allowed." She stated she learned this policy firsthand when her own speech and debate posters were hung in unauthorized areas.
State Superintendent Intervenes
As the story gained traction, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder publicly weighed in, siding with Kylie Wall. Degenfelder issued a strong statement supporting student free speech and civic engagement. "I stand with Kylie Wall and with any student in Wyoming who wants to learn and engage civically and thoughtfully," Degenfelder declared. She emphasized that school administrators and teachers must foster environments that welcome ideas and debate, rather than tolerating only certain viewpoints.
"Every student in this state has the right to speak, to question, and to debate in school. When an administrator or teacher tries to silence them, they are crossing a line that I will not ignore," Degenfelder stated.
Degenfelder confirmed that she spoke with Principal Wilson, Superintendent Hensley, and Kylie Wall. She pledged to continue advocating for Wall and Turning Point USA's right to free speech. Degenfelder also indicated she would work with Superintendent Hensley to seek answers and accountability regarding the situation. She sent a clear message to administrators: "To administrators who would stifle student speech or treat one club differently from another: this is your wake-up call. The Constitution does not stop at the schoolhouse doors."
Student Addresses School Board
Kylie Wall presented her concerns directly to the NCSD1 Board of Trustees at a meeting. She described weeks of "mixed messages and frustrations" regarding her club's treatment. Wall stated that she and her parents had sought answers but felt their concerns were not adequately addressed.
Wall recounted being "strongly encouraged" to attend a meeting with district officials. She said her family reluctantly agreed but requested that two trustees, their advocate, and the state superintendent also be present. Wall claimed that upon arrival, Superintendent Hensley refused to allow these requested guests to attend. "The meeting went forward behind closed doors, and because it lacked transparency, my parents chose not to submit our written complaint inside," Wall explained.
Despite being told that her club was supported and that all students are treated equally, Wall expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. She said she was informed that concerns about staff tearing down posters would be handled privately, rather than through a staff-wide address. Wall also mentioned being told that policies on fundraising and equal access would be reviewed "at some point."
Wall concluded her address by questioning the district's commitment to action and accountability. "In the end, there were no commitments, no written steps, and no accountability," she stated. "So I have to ask: What is the actual threshold for action, for support, or for interventions? And under whose definition of success are we supposed to operate? The one that measures comfort or the one that measures fairness?" She urged the district to translate words of support into concrete actions, emphasizing the importance of equal standards, transparency, and respect for student voices.
Principal Wilson and Superintendent Hensley maintain that their actions align with established policies and that they consistently support all students. "From my perspective, we're proud to provide opportunities for kids," Wilson stated. "It's a really important part of the high school learning and growing experience, and we just want to support them and provide them an opportunity. And I think that's the one thing that we're going to continue to do, and we'll be doing it consistently."
