Turning Point group for teens given option of afterschool assembly at West Ridge

The arm of the Turning Point USA organization that recruits teenagers has been told student assemblies at a Sullivan County high school featuring one of their speakers could not be held during the school day.

A statement from Director of School Chuck Carter said his decision comes after meeting with school board legal counsel and the advice of offering the Club America group an option of an after-school gathering if they are approved for a permit requesting the meeting at West Ridge High School.

“On October 10, 2025, I was approached by a representative of Club America after a meeting of the Sullivan County Board of Education. She asked for my permission to permit Riley Gaines to speak at a student assembly during an upcoming school day at West Ridge High School. As the Director of Schools, I informed them we would be happy to consider an after-school event proposal should Club America submit our standard facilities usage agreement.”– Statement issued by Dr. Carter on Oct 20, 2025.

Though I understand Club America has continued to request that their proposed event take place at a student assembly during a school day, I – in consultation with our legal counsel – stand by my original response, but remain more than happy to accommodate this as an after-school event so as not to disrupt the instructional day.

Club America is currently sponsoring a speaking tour that features former University of Kentucky swimmer and 12-time all American Riley Gaines who has campaigned for the ban of transgender athletes in college and high school sports.

Turning Point is the conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk who was assassinated in Utah last month.

(IMAGE: Sullivan County Board of Education / Official Facebook)