AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have announced a new partnership with Turning Point USA aimed at creating chapters of the conservative youth organization on every Texas high school campus. The initiative, revealed Monday at the Governor’s Mansion, follows months of discussions between state officials and Turning Point leaders, according to reporting from the Texas Tribune.
Abbott said the clubs—branded “Club America”—will promote civic engagement and conservative values. While the state will not mandate schools to form chapters, Abbott warned that the Texas Education Agency should be notified of “any stoppage,” adding that he expects “meaningful disciplinary action” in such cases.
The effort accelerated after Education Commissioner Mike Morath privately met with Turning Point officials in November. Days later, Patrick committed $1 million in campaign funds to support the expansion. Turning Point, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, has long been active on college campuses and is known for its professor watchlist and advocacy for right-leaning student activism.
The organization has faced criticism from civil rights groups and students who allege its messaging promotes hostility toward LGBTQ+ people, racial minorities, and non-Christians. The Southern Poverty Law Center says the group amplifies narratives suggesting threats to “white Christian supremacy.”
Turning Point claims interest in its high school chapters surged following Kirk’s death in September but says some schools have blocked formation efforts. Similar state partnerships have been announced in Oklahoma and Florida.
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