Greenville, SC, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Greenville County NAACP has expressed concerns about an interest meeting held by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at J.L. Mann High School during school hours. The organization, founded by Charlie Kirk, is criticized for promoting conservative ideology. The NAACP has requested an investigation, claiming the meeting’s timing and nature may not be appropriate. Greenville County Schools responded by clarifying policies regarding student clubs that allow non-curricular meetings outside classroom hours, stressing inclusivity and adherence to regulations.
Greenville, SC – The Greenville County NAACP has raised concerns regarding an interest meeting held by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at J.L. Mann High School during school hours. The organization, which was founded by Charlie Kirk, is described by the NAACP as a “political advocacy organization known for promoting conservative political ideology, often aligned with MAGA rhetoric.”
In their statement, the NAACP addressed the superintendent of Greenville County Schools, expressing the desire for an investigation into the matter. The interest meeting occurred on a Tuesday morning before the start of the school day, stirring controversy and prompting concerns over the appropriateness of the meeting’s timing and nature.
In response to the NAACP’s concerns, Greenville County Schools released a statement regarding the governance of student clubs and organizations. Their statement outlined Board Policy JHCA, which dictates how student clubs may be formed and meet on campus. The policy aligns with the federal Equal Access Act, permitting non-curricular, student-initiated clubs to operate.
According to the district’s policy, curriculum-related clubs require principal approval and may meet during instructional time, whereas non-curricular clubs must be held outside of class time and are organized within a “limited open forum.” These non-curricular, student-led clubs must be voluntary, student-initiated, and not school-sponsored, which means they cannot occur during regular class periods.
Student clubs at J.L. Mann High School are formed based on student interest, with a faculty member willing to oversee meetings and activities. When creating a club, students must submit a formal application, adopt bylaws, and ensure that all activities are student-led. The supervision of these clubs does not reflect the personal beliefs of school employees, emphasizing the district’s commitment to inclusivity.
Clubs with political, civic, or religious focuses have previously been established at J.L. Mann High School, including Young Republicans, Young Democrats, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Turning Point USA clubs have also been initiated by students and approved at several other high schools in the district. Notably, the TPUSA club at J.L. Mann has been active for four years, showcasing its presence and engagement within the student body.
The situation surrounding the interest meeting and the subsequent concerns may lead to further discussions around student-led organizations and their ability to meet during school hours without aligning with or promoting specific political ideologies.
Key Features of the Situation
- Organization: Turning Point USA (TPUSA)
- Founded by: Charlie Kirk
- Concern Raised By: Greenville County NAACP
- Type of Meeting: Interest meeting during school hours
- Policy Cited: Board Policy JHCA
- Response From: Greenville County Schools
- Similar Clubs: Young Republicans, Young Democrats, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Duration of TPUSA Club: Active for four years
FAQ
What organization held an interest meeting at J.L. Mann High School?
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) held an interest meeting at J.L. Mann High School.
Who raised concerns about the TPUSA meeting?
The Greenville County NAACP raised concerns about the interest meeting held by Turning Point USA at J.L. Mann High School.
What policy governs student clubs in Greenville County Schools?
Board Policy JHCA governs how student clubs may be formed and meet on campus.
Chart: Key Features of the Turning Point USA Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Turning Point USA (TPUSA) |
| Founded by | Charlie Kirk |
| Concerns raised by | Greenville County NAACP |
| Meeting type | Interest meeting during school hours |
| Policy cited | Board Policy JHCA |
| Response from | Greenville County Schools |
| Similar clubs | Young Republicans, Young Democrats, Fellowship of Christian Athletes |
| Duration of TPUSA club | Active for four years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville NAACP Raises Concerns Over TPUSA Meeting
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville NAACP Concern Over TPUSA Meeting
- Wikipedia: Turning Point USA
- WIS TV: Fact Check on Greenville NAACP Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Equal Access Act
- WSPA: Concerns Over TPUSA Clubs in Greenville Schools
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
