Idaho Governor and State Superintendent Promote Conservative Student Group

Turning Point USA's 'Club America' program aims to build a network of young conservative activists in high schools across the state.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:20am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a student figure holding a flag, with the image repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conveying a sense of political tension and activism.The governor's promotion of a conservative student group raises questions about political neutrality in Idaho's public schools.Boise Today

Idaho's Republican governor and state superintendent have faced criticism for promoting the conservative student group Turning Point USA's 'Club America' program in high schools, even as they have sought to remove 'woke' and 'leftist' influences from public education. Supporters say the program encourages free speech and civic engagement, while critics argue it's a thinly veiled attempt to indoctrinate students with a partisan political agenda.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of politics in public schools, with conservatives pushing to limit certain ideological influences while actively promoting their own. It raises questions about where to draw the line between extracurricular activities and classroom instruction, and whether the state is selectively enforcing 'political neutrality' rules.

The details

Last week, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation encouraging students to form Club America chapters at their schools, part of a national campaign by the conservative group Turning Point USA. State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield also spoke in support of the program. Club America aims to 'educate students on the importance of freedom, free markets, and limited government' and build a network of young conservative activists. Critics argue this is a blatant attempt to inject partisan politics into schools, even as the state has banned teachers from displaying 'political' posters and symbols.

  • On April 16, 2026, Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation promoting the Club America program.
  • Last year, Little signed a law prohibiting teachers from displaying 'political' flags and banners in classrooms.

The players

Gov. Brad Little

The Republican governor of Idaho who signed a proclamation encouraging students to form Club America chapters.

Debbie Critchfield

The Republican state superintendent of public instruction in Idaho who spoke in support of the Club America program.

Turning Point USA

A conservative nonprofit organization that launched the Club America program to build a network of young conservative activists in high schools across the country.

Babe Vote

A youth organization that criticized the Idaho government's partnership with Turning Point USA as hypocritical.

Aiden Shingler

A Boise high school student and member of a Club America chapter who thanked the governor for his support.

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What they’re saying

“When activism is encouraged in one direction but discouraged in another, it certainly sets a tone. This selectivity is not neutrality, and selectivity in education does not create informed students.”

— Aiden Shingler, Boise high school student and Club America member

“The hypocrisy of this partnership is staggering. This move by the governor and superintendent proves that their concern isn't about removing politics from schools — it's about ensuring only their politics are allowed.”

— Babe Vote, Youth organization

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of politics in public schools, with conservatives pushing to limit certain ideological influences while actively promoting their own. It raises questions about where to draw the line between extracurricular activities and classroom instruction, and whether the state is selectively enforcing 'political neutrality' rules.