Park City High approves Turning Point USA club

Members of Park City High School's recently revitalized Turning Point USA club during a fundraiser for veterans. Photo: Courtesy Summer Thomas

Eleventh-grader Finley Thomas says his new chapter aims to bridge divides through open, respectful discussion, even as the national group faces controversy.

PARK CITY, Utah — In the wake of controversy surrounding student political clubs in Utah, a Park City High School junior is working to create a space for civil conversation — even on divisive issues.

Eleventh-grader Finley Thomas recently launched a chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization whose stated mission is to “identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government.” The group, founded by activist Charlie Kirk, has drawn national attention for its advocacy and has also faced criticism for its partisan edge.

Just a few weeks before the Park City chapter took shape, students at Fremont High School in Weber County were denied permission to start a similar club. The Weber School District said Turning Point USA’s purpose — “to promote conservative political views” — violated district policy prohibiting curricular clubs that endorse partisan ideologies. Students there started a Change.org petition, arguing that non-curricular clubs should have the same rights as curricular ones under state law.

Under Utah law, a school may deny recognition to a “club” if it — among other things — either advocates or is directed at the promotion of a partisan political ideology or candidate, or if the club’s activities are not open to any student who wishes to join.

Park City High School Principal Caleb Fine told TownLift that the club at Park City High is classified as a “non-curricular” club.

“It couldn’t be a curricular club,” he said and also cited Policy: 2020 which he said did not provide a valid reason to deny the Turning Point club.

Fine listed other clubs at the High School that fall under the same classification like the Gay Student Alliance (GSA), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Thespian Club.

“We support clubs that promote kindness and expect all clubs to abide by the rules and guidelines. Even in a time of diverse beliefs, we can co-exist,” Fine said.

Park City High School’s approval of the new chapter comes against that backdrop — and amid its own history with political student groups. In 2019, a previous Turning Point USA club at Park City High School disbanded after a Park City High student discharged bear spray in a school lecture hall to disrupt a club meeting. At the time, some community members argued that the controversy reflected a broader resistance to conservative viewpoints in local schools.

Thomas said he hopes this new effort will be different. “I saw that the community — and the country overall — was lacking open discussion from both sides of the political spectrum,” he said. “I wanted to do my part to show that you can talk about politics respectfully, without dehumanizing the other person.”

Thomas said his inspiration came from watching Charlie Kirk’s videos online. “He was always respectful of the people he spoke with, even when they disagreed,” he said. “That really resonated with me.”

His parents were initially hesitant when Finley first applied to start a chapter last year. “We didn’t realize he had signed up until the boxes of materials showed up on our porch,” his mother, Summer Thomas said. “It worried me — I wasn’t sure how it would be received in our community.”

That changed, she said, after Kirk’s assassination in September. “We realized this is exactly the kind of conversation our kids and communities need. We wanted to support Finley in creating a respectful space for dialogue.”

With help from teacher advisor Eric Janes and support from school administrators, the club was approved earlier this fall. About 30 to 50 students have signed up so far, and the group meets monthly.

Principal Fine also spoke about student and school safety, acknowledging 2019 events.

“We are always concerned about student’s safety. We hope that everyone will conduct themselves respectfully and we plan to keep students safe,” Fine said. “The kids are well-intended – across our clubs – do they make mistakes, yes sometimes,” Fine said, adding that the possibility of a student stepping out of line exists equally in other clubs.

Thomas says the club’s focus is on discussion, guest speakers, and community service — not political recruitment. Recently, members raised funds for local veterans by selling donuts to support Wreaths Across America and Memorial Day observances.

Even as the club moves forward, Thomas and his family are aware of the scrutiny surrounding Turning Point USA and its founder’s outspoken views. “We know it might not be perfect,” Summer said. “But I think it’s important for young people to learn how to talk to others who think differently — with curiosity and kindness.”

Finley agrees. “Even if someone disagrees with us, we’ll always respect their opinion,” he said. “That’s the whole point.”