Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation Wednesday endorsing the expansion of Turning Point USA’s high school clubs statewide, drawing criticism from advocates who say the move contradicts state laws aimed at keeping partisan politics out of public schools.

The ceremonial announcement, held alongside Idaho students and Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield, promotes the growth of “Club America” chapters in high schools across Idaho. Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit founded in 2012, organizes student groups that focus on what the organization describes as free-market principles and constitutional values.

What the Proclamation Does

Little’s proclamation carries no legal force but serves as an official endorsement from the governor’s office. Andrew Sypher, chief field officer for Turning Point USA, said the partnership moves the organization closer to establishing a presence in every American high school.

“The mission is simple: to organize students and young people to support freedom and American values,” Little said at the signing ceremony.

Aiden Shingler, a student at Centennial High School in Boise who leads a Club America chapter, said meetings cover topics including veterans, public service, civil discourse, and what members call American exceptionalism.

Critchfield praised the students participating in the clubs, saying she was proud of young people representing what she called good values statewide.

Concerns About Selective Support

Olivia Luna, president of BABE VOTE, a youth engagement organization, said the governor’s public backing of a specific ideological group conflicts with recent state policy restricting political expression in classrooms.

Luna, 21, told reporters her objection is not to the existence of conservative student clubs. “I think it’s really important that students are able to organize clubs like Club America,” she said. “That is their First Amendment right.”

Instead, Luna argues the issue is inconsistent application of neutrality standards. “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.

Context: Recent Classroom Policy Changes

Luna pointed to legislation Little signed last year that prohibits flags and banners representing political viewpoints in Idaho classrooms. The law, which took effect in July 2025, bans displays related to political parties, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideologies.

That statute came after a West Ada School District sixth-grade teacher was asked to remove a poster reading “Everyone Is Welcome Here” featuring hands of different skin tones. The teacher, Sarah Inama, resigned and filed a lawsuit against the state that remains pending in court.

Luna said the governor’s public partnership with Turning Point USA contradicts the stated goal of keeping partisan politics out of schools. “At every turn, the question is less about whether or not politics should be in classrooms,” she said, suggesting the debate centers on which political views receive official support.

What Happens Next

The proclamation does not create any new legal requirements for schools or mandate the establishment of Club America chapters. Student-led political clubs remain protected under existing First Amendment precedent, regardless of ideological orientation.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over where Idaho draws the line between student organizing rights and classroom neutrality policies, with critics arguing state officials are applying different standards to conservative and progressive student expression.