In Oklahoma, the debate over politics in classrooms just took another sharp turn.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has announced that every high school across the state—public, private, and even homeschool settings—will soon have a Turning Point USA chapter.
His declaration comes in the aftermath of the shocking assassination of the group’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
Walters framed the move as both a tribute to Kirk’s legacy and a fight against what he calls “liberal propaganda” in schools.
His promise has already sparked both enthusiastic support and strong pushback from educators, parents, and legal experts.
Walters’ Push for Club America
According to Walters, these new “Club America” chapters will give students a platform to talk about U.S. history, civic life, and American values.
In a video message, he told parents that this initiative is nothing short of “a battle for the future of our country.”
He said he wants open debate: “We want you here, whether you agree or disagree. We want discussion.”
Walters added that his office has been flooded with hundreds of requests daily from students and parents eager to get involved.
With so much momentum, he predicted that every high school in Oklahoma could have a Turning Point USA club within two months.
Legal and Accreditation Questions
But there’s a complication. Some school leaders argue Walters can’t legally force schools to host a political club.
Tulsa Public Schools Board Member John Croisant dismissed the plan as a “stunt” and said his district won’t comply.
Walters, however, hinted that schools refusing to allow chapters could even risk their accreditation.
Legal scholars are also raising eyebrows. They warn that a government official partnering with and promoting a single political group could run into First Amendment issues.
“You’re putting your own government system at risk,” one law professor explained.
A Surge in National Interest
The controversy in Oklahoma is part of a much larger wave.
Since Kirk’s death in Utah, Turning Point USA says it has received over 120,000 requests to start chapters nationwide.
The group envisions having a club at every high school and college campus across America.
Each new chapter must have at least three student officers, sign a charter, and carry out one activism initiative per semester.
In many schools, faculty sponsors are also required.
Teachers and Free Speech Battles
Walters has not stopped at promoting Turning Point USA.
His office is also investigating more than 70 teachers for social media posts made after Kirk’s assassination—some of which he claims glorified the killing.
He’s also punished schools that failed to observe a moment of silence or lower their flags in Kirk’s honor.
This heavy-handed approach has fueled further debate about whether Walters is protecting free speech or undermining it.
Growing Political Backing
Despite the backlash, Walters has found allies. Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor and Florida’s Attorney General have both voiced support for expanding Turning Point USA clubs, with Florida even threatening legal action against schools that block them.
Walters’ Next Move
In a twist, Walters has announced he’s leaving public office to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative group aimed at countering teachers’ unions.
The group praised him as someone who “fearlessly fights the woke liberal union mob.”
His departure leaves one big question hanging: what happens to Oklahoma’s Turning Point USA partnership and the investigations he launched? For now, Walters insists his plan is already too far along to stop.
What Comes Next?
Whether Walters’ vision becomes reality or collapses under legal challenges, one thing is clear—Oklahoma has become ground zero in the national fight over politics in education.
With thousands of students eager to join and schools bracing for battles over free speech and accreditation, the next few months will be decisive.