Greenville, S.C., September 20, 2025
News Summary
Community activists in Greenville, S.C., are pressing the Greenville County School District to revise policies regarding student organizations, particularly following increased activity from Turning Point USA chapters. Concerns have been raised about the organization’s impact on local school environments, particularly after the tragic death of its founder. Activists are calling for equity and inclusion policies to ensure a fair and safe space for all students.
Greenville, S.C. – Community activists are urging the Greenville County School District to implement new policies regarding student organizations following heightened concerns over the presence of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapters in local schools. Activists gathered in front of the Greenville County Schools district office to express their concerns about the organization’s influence and activities within the education system.
Turning Point USA has had a presence in several schools across Greenville County for years; however, its involvement has reportedly intensified in recent months. This increased activity followed a tragic incident involving TPUSA’s founder, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10. In light of this event, local activists have raised alarms about the organization’s impact on the school environment.
Derrick Quarels, a community activist and organizer of the rally, has been vocal in his stance that TPUSA does not belong in public schools. He suggests that allowing organizations that “demean or stereotype students of color” creates a hostile environment, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally funded programs or activities.
Quarels has posed critical questions regarding the treatment of different student organizations. For instance, he wonders whether the school district would grant equal status and protection from retaliation to groups such as Black Lives Matter if their activities were challenged in a similar way.
To address these concerns, activists are urging the school district to adopt equity and inclusion policies. These proposed policies would involve monitoring and reviewing student organizations prior to their approval in order to safeguard against any form of hateful rhetoric. Quarels, who previously tried discussing policy changes with Greenville County Superintendent Dr. W. Burke Royster, expressed disappointment at feeling ignored regarding his proposal.
The local NAACP has also voiced its apprehensions regarding TPUSA’s recent interest meeting held at J.L. Mann High School. The president of the NAACP, Rev. Emanuel R. Flemming Sr., has highlighted concerns about the organization’s alignment with conservative political ideology and the rhetoric commonly associated with the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. As a result, the NAACP is calling for the school district to investigate the implications of TPUSA’s meeting.
In response to these community concerns, Greenville County Schools released a statement clarifying Board Policy JHCA, which outlines how student clubs are formed and allowed to meet on campus. According to this policy, non-curricular, student-initiated clubs are permitted to meet outside instructional time in compliance with federal Equal Access Act guidelines. These clubs can include political, religious, or philosophical groups, provided their meetings do not coincide with class periods. Furthermore, the formation of clubs requires student interest and faculty oversight.
Within the district, similar student-led organizations such as Young Republicans and Young Democrats have also been established. The Turning Point USA chapter at J.L. Mann High School was initiated four years ago and held an interest meeting recently to attract new membership, which occurred on a Tuesday morning prior to the school day’s start.
The discussion surrounding TPUSA’s role in local schools reflects broader national conversations about the presence of politically affiliated groups in educational settings and their impact on students’ experiences and freedoms.
FAQ
What are community activists in Greenville, S.C., calling for?
Community activists are urging the county school district to implement new policies regarding student organizations.
Who has become more active in Greenville County schools?
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapters have reportedly become more active in several Greenville County schools.
What incident intensified concerns regarding TPUSA?
The increased activity followed the death of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot on September 10 while hosting a debate at Utah Valley University.
What does Derrick Quarels argue about TPUSA’s presence in schools?
Quarels claims TPUSA has no place in public schools and suggests that it creates a hostile environment for students of color.
What policies are activists advocating for?
Activists are calling for the school district to adopt equity and inclusion policies that would monitor and review student organizations before approval.
What does Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibit?
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally-funded programs or activities.
What did Greenville County Schools state regarding student clubs?
The district noted that non-curricular, student-initiated clubs are permitted to meet outside of instructional time following federal Equal Access Act guidelines.
Key Features Summary
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville, S.C. |
| Activists’ Main Concern | Increased activity of TPUSA in local schools |
| Incident That Heightened Concerns | Death of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10 |
| Proposed Activist Policies | Equity and inclusion policies for student organizations |
| Legislative Reference | Title VI of the Civil Rights Act |
| Current School District Policy | Allows non-curricular, student-initiated clubs outside instructional time |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: NAACP Concern Over TPUSA Meeting
- WSPA: Concerns Over TPUSA Clubs in Schools
- Greenville Online: Vigils for Charlie Kirk
- WIS TV: Fact Check on NAACP Concerns
- Wikipedia: Turning Point USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Amendment
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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