Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced a new initiative to establish Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Club America chapters in every high school across the state. This move aims to promote conservative principles among students and counter what Walters describes as 'liberal propaganda' in educational settings. The announcement was made in a news release on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Turning Point USA is a national nonprofit organization. It was founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk. The group focuses on spreading conservative ideas at high school and college campuses. It works by educating and organizing students. The organization promotes principles such as fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. Chapters already exist at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
Key Takeaways
- Superintendent Ryan Walters seeks to establish Turning Point USA Club America chapters in all Oklahoma high schools.
- The initiative aims to promote conservative principles among students.
- TPUSA focuses on fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.
- Students need at least three members and a teacher sponsor to form a chapter.
- Chapters receive an 'Activism Kit' with educational materials.
Statewide Push for Conservative Student Groups
Superintendent Walters emphasized the importance of student involvement in conservative movements. He stated his goal is to have TPUSA present on every high school campus in Oklahoma. Walters credited Charlie Kirk with inspiring a generation to embrace American values and engage in bold debate.
"We will be putting TPUSA on every high school campus in Oklahoma. Charlie Kirk inspired a generation to love America, to speak boldly, and to never shy away from debate. Our kids must get involved and active," said Superintendent Ryan Walters in the news release. "We will fight back against the liberal propaganda, pushed by the radical left, and the teachers unions. Our fight starts now."
This initiative represents a direct effort to shape political discourse within public high schools. It targets what Walters identifies as liberal influences and teachers' unions. The superintendent's remarks highlight a broader cultural and political struggle playing out in educational institutions nationwide.
How Students Can Form Chapters
For students interested in starting a TPUSA Club America chapter, specific steps are required. The process is designed to be straightforward, encouraging broad participation. Students need to meet a minimum membership requirement and complete an official agreement.
Chapter Formation Requirements
- Minimum of three students from the same school.
- Completion of the official Chapter Charter Agreement.
- Securing a teacher sponsor for the club.
Once these requirements are met and the agreement is submitted, the student group gains recognition as a TPUSA Club America Chapter. This formal recognition allows chapters to access resources and support from the national organization.
Support and Resources for New Chapters
New TPUSA chapters receive significant support to help them establish and grow. Each chapter is assigned a dedicated field representative. This representative acts as a liaison between the school chapter and the broader TPUSA organization. They provide guidance and resources to students and faculty sponsors.
Beyond human support, chapters also receive tangible benefits. One notable benefit is the "Activism Kit." This kit contains various materials designed to help students promote conservative ideas on campus. These materials are intended to facilitate discussion and engagement among students.
Activism Kit Contents
The Activism Kit is a resource provided to new TPUSA chapters. It includes:
- Pins
- Pocket Constitutions
- Handbooks
- Other educational materials
These items are meant to equip students with tools for advocacy and learning about conservative principles.
The provision of these kits underscores TPUSA's strategy to actively engage students in political education and activism. It aims to empower young conservatives to articulate their views and organize events within their school communities. This approach aligns with the organization's mission to foster a new generation of conservative leaders.
Broader Implications for Education in Oklahoma
Superintendent Walters' initiative comes amidst ongoing debates about curriculum, school governance, and political influence in Oklahoma's education system. This push for conservative student groups follows other recent controversies. For example, teachers in Oklahoma have expressed concerns about the content of Bibles placed in classrooms, specifically noting the absence of certain Constitutional Amendments.
The state has also seen discussions about social studies standards. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently paused the implementation of new controversial social studies standards. This ruling prohibited the use of state funds for related instructional materials. These events collectively highlight a dynamic and often contentious environment within Oklahoma's public education landscape.
The introduction of TPUSA chapters could further intensify these discussions. It could lead to increased scrutiny from parents, educators, and community members regarding political neutrality in schools. Supporters argue it promotes diverse viewpoints and free speech. Critics might raise concerns about partisan influence in public education. The outcome of this initiative will likely be a topic of continued interest and debate across Oklahoma.
