Cartoon: Gov. Abbott Wants Turning Point in Every School. Let Our Turning Point Be Christ’s Love.

Charlie Kirk and Turning Point demand that we honor the ideals of debate, free speech, and the Constitution.

Governor Abbott has signed legislation banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) clubs in Texas public schools, prohibiting student organizations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This action is part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI policies from public education.

At the same time, Governor Abbott has publicly expressed his desire to establish a faith-based, freedom-of-speech-oriented Turning Point chapter at every Texas school. This proposal raises serious First Amendment concerns and would place state authority behind a particular ideological and religious viewpoint, while acting against those who might object.

Since Mr. Kirk and Turning Point USA have consistently emphasized debate, free speech, and constitutional principles, and since they bring a faith-based perspective to their activities, the logical and principled response is not to create a single approved chapter at each school, but many.

If one Turning Point chapter is good, then many Turning Point chapters are better.  Chapters that reflect the full diversity of students, viewpoints, faith traditions, and lived experiences are illustrated above.

When America was great, school clubs were active, numerous, and encouraged. Pick up any old school annual and you will see pages filled with student organizations, debate societies, service clubs, arts groups, and faith-based activities.  All these clubs contributed to education, citizenship, and community.

Let’s make education great again.

I can think of no better way to do so than by honoring Mr. Kirk’s stated legacy of free speech, open debate, and constitutional principles by embracing the love and acceptance Christ taught for all of God’s children.

TPUSA’s website tells us what we need to do on the last line of their home page:  We will make Charlie proud. We will defend America’s future. And we will not stop until freedom prevails.