AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on Texans to report schools interfering with the development of Turning Point USA-backed “Club America” chapters.
The governor, alongside Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Turning Point USA senior director Josh Thifault, reaffirmed his support of the conservative youth organization and its chapters on Monday outside the Governor’s Mansion.
Abbott said complaints should be submitted to the Texas Education Agency, who should then take disciplinary action against schools preventing students from establishing a Club America or Turning Point USA chapter.
“We all thank Charlie Kirk for spurring this movement,” Abbott said of the alter Turning Point USA founder, who was assassinated during an event on a college campus in September.
Abbott revealed he spoke with Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, on Monday.
CBS Austin asked the governor if there have been any reports of schools refusing to allow a Club America chapter on their campus. The governor deferred to Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, who said there have not been any reports.
Abbott denied his support of Club America is an endorsement of a political party’s influence in schools.
“This is about values. This is about constitutional principles, this is about a restoration of who we are as a country,” the governor said.
The Texas Tribune previously reported that Morath met privately with Thifault in early November. It is unknown what the pair spoke about.
According to Abbott, there are over 500 Club America chapters in Texas, more than any other state in the country.
A Turning Point USA representative recently spoke at a legislative hearing at the Texas State Capitol, and said the organization had a goal of being in every high school and college in the state.