In a bold move to foster conservative values among the youth, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in collaboration with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Director Josh Thifault, announced a statewide initiative.
The initiative aims to establish TPUSA's "Club America" chapters in every public high school across Texas. These chapters are conservative youth clubs dedicated to promoting freedom, faith, and constitutional principles.
As reported by One America News, Governor Abbott issued a stern warning to Texas schools during the announcement. He stated that any school obstructing the establishment of a Club America program would face state intervention. "Let me be clear: Any school that stands in the way of a Club America program in their school should be reported immediately to the Texas Education Agency," Abbott declared. "An investigation will be opened, and disciplinary action will be taken if necessary."
TPUSA, co-founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been in the spotlight since Kirk's assassination at a free speech campus event at Utah Valley University in September. The organization, which names its high school chapters "Club America," is known for promoting constitutional, American values and registering students to vote. Each chapter hosts a notable conservative speaker once a semester.
The tragic death of Kirk has led to a surge in interest in TPUSA. The announcement of the statewide initiative, made at the gubernatorial mansion in Austin, is seen as an expansion of conservative civic engagement for teenagers. TPUSA officials reported receiving 54,000 inquiries about starting new chapters in the days following Kirk's assassination.
Supporters of the initiative believe that state public schools have increasingly become hostile environments for students, with some even accusing them of being liberal and leftist indoctrination grounds. Some Club America chapters have also reported a surge in youth attendance at faith-based organizations, indicating a shift in the political landscape among the youth.
However, the initiative has not been without opposition. Some students and parents with more "progressive" views have vehemently opposed TPUSA chapters, labeling the organization as racist, homophobic, sexist, and a promoter of hate speech. They have vowed to resist Governor Abbott's initiative by any means necessary.
In response to the mockery and endorsement of violence towards conservatives on social media following Kirk's death, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, supported by Abbott, publicly condemned Texas teachers involved. Morath sent a letter to school superintendents condemning the "reprehensible and inappropriate" anti-Kirk content. He differentiated between "comments made in poor taste" and those that "call for or incite further violence," promising to refer the latter to the Texas Education Agencys (TEA) investigative unit.
Governor Abbott echoed this sentiment on social media, stating that over 100 teachers had posted statements that "called for or incited violence," and directed the TEA to investigate. By late September, the TEA was investigating around 350 complaints, with some districts already disciplining staff.
As of now, over 500 Texas schools have Club America Chapters, a testament to the growing conservative movement among the youth. The initiative, while controversial, represents a significant step in promoting conservative values and principles in the education system.
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