Turning Point USA Expands in Oklahoma and the South
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is experiencing rapid growth, especially in Oklahoma, where the former State Superintendent Ryan Walters recently announced that there will be chapters in every high school across the state. The movement is also gaining traction in various Southern states.
These high school chapters are referred to as “Club America.” Mason Cottrell, TPUSA’s southern regional director, expressed his excitement about the expansion, noting that Oklahoma has seen the highest number of Club America chapters this school year, jumping from around 15 to at least 60.
“It’s been quite a ride,” Cottrell told FOX News Digital. “We’re establishing new chapters almost daily, which is significant progress.” He continued, acknowledging that the interest is strong, with many new participants reaching out to them continually. This surge follows Walters’ announcement on September 23, with several chapters being formed each day.
Cottrell believes that while there’s a conservative environment in Oklahoma, it hasn’t solely influenced this growth. “Sure, people are more encouraged to voice their opinions here, but it’s not just about Ryan Walters. His mandate has definitely helped, but there’s a readiness among the community to step forward,” he said.
In a message shared on social media, Walters announced the initiative to establish TPUSA chapters in high schools is not mandatory—students are motivated to take the initiative. Although Oklahoma is a solidly Republican state, with Trump winning decisively in previous elections, the grassroots effort from students seems vital to the chapter’s success.
In light of a recent incident involving Charlie Kirk, TPUSA co-founder, who gained considerable attention after an event in Utah on September 10, the organization has seen a significant uptick in inquiries. Post his memorial service, TPUSA received over 120,000 inquiries for new chapter formations.
Each Club America chapter conducts bi-monthly meetings to foster a space for conservative students to share their beliefs and engage in discussions. Themes for their activities include patriotism, sports, and economic topics, with events like “Free Speech Week” held in conjunction with September 11 commemorations.
TPUSA is also facing challenges, particularly in some areas resistant to the presence of conservative clubs. Cottrell mentioned that while there are obstacles, including reports of schools pushing back against TPUSA, legal measures have been considered in Florida to ensure that free speech rights are upheld for these student organizations.
Despite the hurdles, Cottrell is optimistic about the future growth of Club America, especially in states with demographics similar to Oklahoma. As they continue to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on empowering students to establish their identities and values within their school environments.
