Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation Wednesday promoting free speech in Idaho’s public schools and announced a partnership with Turning Point USA aimed at expanding the organization’s “Club America” chapters to high schools across the state. The announcement drew both praise from state education officials and criticism from a local youth advocacy group that called the move politically inconsistent.

What Happened

Standing alongside Idaho high school students at the signing ceremony, Little framed the initiative around civic engagement and American values. “The mission is simple: to organize students and young people to support freedom and American values,” Little said at the event.

A proclamation is an official statement from the Governor’s Office and does not carry the force of law. Andrew Sypher, chief field officer for Turning Point USA, described an ambitious vision at the ceremony. “Today’s partnership is one step closer to Charlie’s goal, to see a Club America on every high school in America,” Sypher said.

Turning Point USA was co-founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2012. Kirk, who gained prominence for advocating conservative politics on high school and college campuses, died on September 10 of last year after being shot at a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Student and Official Voices

Aiden Shingler, a student at Centennial High School in the Boise School District and a Club America chapter leader, described the club’s focus at his school. “We talk about subjects like our veterans, public service members, civil discourse, and values such as family, truth, freedom, and American exceptionalism,” Shingler said at the ceremony. He added that his chapter aims to welcome all viewpoints through open debate.

Idaho Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield was also present and expressed support for the students involved. “I’m so proud of what’s being accomplished and so proud of the young people that are here in the room and representing those good values around our state,” Critchfield said.

Little emphasized the importance of civic understanding for younger generations. “It is the most duplicated system in the world and one of the most challenging systems in the world and it’s incredibly important that everyone, but particularly youth, understand it,” he said.

A Local Group Raises Concerns

Not all observers welcomed the announcement. BABE VOTE, a Boise-area organization focused on empowering young people, criticized the governor’s decision as selective. Olivia Luna, the 21-year-old president of BABE VOTE, told KTVB the move reflects a double standard in how state officials engage with student political activity.

Luna said her concern is not about Club America’s right to exist in Idaho public schools. “I think it’s really important that students are able to organize clubs like Club America, be involved in things like Turning Point USA. That is their First Amendment right,” Luna said. “It is so important that there are multiple viewpoints being heard at schools.”

Luna’s criticism is directed specifically at the governor and superintendent choosing to lend their official endorsement to one organization. “If we’re going to come out in support of student voice and of First Amendment rights in schools, then that’s great, as long as it’s extended to every student,” she said. “I would love to see some consistency across policy decisions that are coming out of this office.”

The Classroom Neutrality Tension

Luna pointed to a law Little signed — House Bill 41 — that prohibits Idaho public schools from displaying flags or banners representing political viewpoints, including those related to political parties, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideologies. The law took effect July 1, 2025.

That law gained attention after a West Ada School District sixth-grade teacher, Sarah Inama, was asked to remove a classroom banner reading “Everyone Is Welcome Here” featuring hands of different skin tones. Inama refused, later resigned, and subsequently sued the state. That legal case remains ongoing.

Luna argued the governor’s proclamation stands in tension with the stated goal of keeping schools politically neutral. “At every turn, the question is less about whether or not politics should be in classrooms, and it is about whose politics should be in classrooms,” she said.

KTVB reported it requested a sit-down interview with Governor Little’s office Wednesday and did not receive a response.

Broader Context

The announcement arrives as Idaho continues to navigate a series of contentious education policy debates. The state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program drew more than 13,500 student applications, raising questions about program capacity and the allocation of public resources for education. Little has also been active on education and fiscal matters in the post-session period, having vetoed five bills after the legislature adjourned, citing child safety and fiscal concerns.

Wednesday’s proclamation does not carry legal authority, but it signals the governor’s willingness to publicly align state leadership with a specific student organization — a posture that critics say warrants scrutiny given existing policies on political neutrality in public schools.