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Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., announced Monday that the state of Florida is partnering with Turning Point USA to ensure that all “Club America” chapters on high school campuses can launch without any impediments or holdups.
Districts or schools that oppose the launch of these clubs in Florida, Gov DeSantis said, will receive a warning before they “drop the hammer.”
The governor’s remarks were delivered during a press conference at the College of Florida, where he highlighted a new Florida debate and civics initiative, which features a Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate, and a championship prize of $50,000, along with a trophy named in honor of the late Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk.
“Let me be very clear if you haven’t received the message already: If you are a hurdle, if you get in the way of any student or teacher trying to start a Turning Point USA chapter, you will be met with the full force of the law,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.
What is Club America? According to the official website, it is exclusively focused on empowering high school students who believe in the American dream and the American way of life:
“Club America serves to empower the patriotic leaders of tomorrow. Students who lead Club America chapters will be empowered to build strong networks, spearhead impactful initiatives, help students register to vote, and inspire meaningful conversations about the foundations of a free society.”
Currently, the site says that there are just over 1,200 Club America chapters nationwide.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, national interest in TPUSA has spiked, rising to 120,000 chapter requests across the board in less than a month after his death, so this official number will likely rise in the coming weeks and months.
