Oklahoma City, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Oklahoma has announced a plan to become the first state to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school. Led by State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, this initiative aims to counter perceived ‘woke indoctrination’ in schools following the assassination of co-founder Charlie Kirk. There has been significant interest from students and parents, with over 54,000 requests to start or join chapters. Walters has emphasized the importance of parental rights and is calling for swift action against liberal narratives in education, threatening consequences for non-compliant school districts.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma has announced plans to become the first state in the U.S. to establish a Turning Point USA chapter in every high school. This initiative, led by State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, aims to address what he views as a rise in “radical leftists” promoting “woke indoctrination” in schools. The announcement follows the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed on September 10, 2025, during a public event at Utah Valley University.
In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other offenses. Kirk, a prominent figure in mobilizing young Republican voters through Turning Point USA, had previously contributed significantly to the organization, which organizes student activism on both high school and college campuses throughout the country.
Walters noted that there has been a dramatic increase in interest for the Turning Point USA organization since Kirk’s death, with over 54,000 requests from students wanting to either start or join a chapter. He expressed that many parents, teachers, and students are eager to become involved with the initiative, aiming to promote engagement around issues of free speech, American greatness, and civic values.
The initiative has also gained political momentum as Walters criticized teachers’ unions for what he perceives as their negative influence in classrooms, claiming they obstruct parental rights and present a distorted understanding of American history. In light of these concerns, he indicated that school districts that refuse to implement a Turning Point chapter may face significant consequences, including the potential loss of their accreditation and certification.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s death, his widow, Erika Kirk, has stepped in as the new CEO of Turning Point USA. Under her leadership, the organization is expected to continue its efforts to cultivate student engagement and activism across the nation. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 high school chapters and 900 college branches throughout the United States, with expectations for these numbers to increase significantly as the new chapters in Oklahoma are rolled out.
To mark the resurgence of Turning Point USA following its co-founder’s passing, the University of Oklahoma plans to host an event on October 16, 2025, as part of the organization’s “This Is the Turning Point Tour” aimed at fostering free speech on college campuses.
Investigations related to the circumstances surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination are ongoing, while Walters has communicated to parents the necessity for schools to react promptly against liberal narratives and teachers’ unions.
Key Initiatives and Responses
- Implementation of Turning Point USA chapters in every Oklahoma high school.
- Increased interest from the community for student activism in response to Kirk’s assassination.
- Walters’ commitment to parental rights and correcting perceived misrepresentations of American history in educational settings.
Background Context
Turning Point USA was founded to mobilize young Americans around conservative values and provide a platform for student engagement in political discourse. Following a series of controversial educational policies and curricula perceived as liberal, many within conservative circles have sought to provide alternative narratives in educational environments.
FAQ Section
What is Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA is a non-profit organization focused on promoting conservative values among students on high school and college campuses.
Why is Oklahoma establishing Turning Point USA chapters?
The initiative is intended to counter perceived “woke indoctrination” in schools and promote engagement around free speech and civic values.
Who is leading the initiative in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is spearheading the movement to implement Turning Point USA chapters statewide.
What happened to Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a public event on September 10, 2025. A suspect has been arrested and charged in relation to his death.
Key Features of Turning Point USA Initiative in Oklahoma
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Objective | Establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school in Oklahoma. |
| Leadership | Led by State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. |
| Community Engagement | Strong interest from parents, teachers, and students for involvement. |
| Consequences for Non-Compliance | Potential loss of accreditation and certification for schools that refuse to implement the chapters. |
| Current Chapters | Approximately 1,200 high school and 900 college chapters nationwide prior to Kirk’s death. |
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Additional Resources
- The Hill: Turning Point USA in Oklahoma High Schools
- News9: University of Oklahoma to Host Turning Point USA Event
- KOCO: Ryan Walters’ TPUSA Chapters in Every School
- Newsweek: Charlie Kirk’s Vision for Every High School in Oklahoma
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Turning Point USA
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