AUSTIN, TEXAS — Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath met privately this month with a senior official from Turning Point USA to discuss launching chapters of the conservative youth organization in high schools across the state, according to records obtained by the Texas Tribune. The Nov. 3 in-person meeting came just days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million in campaign funds to support the initiative.
Emails show Turning Point USA official Josh Thifault contacted the Texas Education Agency seeking a conversation about establishing “Club America” chapters, which the group already promotes in Florida and Oklahoma. Following the meeting, Thifault emailed Morath additional details on those states’ partnerships and warnings issued to schools that attempt to block student chapters.
The agency has not confirmed whether Morath agreed to any formal collaboration. A TEA spokesperson said only that the commissioner “meets with a variety of stakeholders.” Turning Point USA and allied activist Doug Deason did not respond to requests for comment.
Republican interest in the organization surged following the Sept. 10 killing of founder Charlie Kirk, prompting what the group claims are tens of thousands of requests to start new chapters. Officials in Florida and Oklahoma have hinted at intervening against school leaders who decline to recognize the clubs.
The meeting occurred as TEA faces criticism for investigating hundreds of complaints about teachers’ comments regarding Kirk’s death. Morath said the agency has not yet disciplined educators but noted that only cases involving clear violations of the educator code of conduct would proceed.
Sources:
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Texas Public Policy Foundation PDF – Unrated
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