On Thursday, Candace Owens posted a series of images from a gym at Nampa Christian School, claiming the school had compelled 500 students to attend a Turning Point USA event and barred parents from joining. She wrote, "The students were forced to attend this event as a school assembly. They could not opt out. The parents were informed they were not allowed to attend alongside them."
School officials, citing the school calendar, say the gym was used for a normal assembly that day and that the event was not listed as a TPUSA gathering. Principal John Doe told reporters, "The schedule for September 18 shows a routine assembly, and parents were free to attend or stay outside. There was no mandate to participate in a political program."
Turning Point USA, through spokesperson Emily Carter, clarified that the event was a voluntary Club America session led by student members and that parents were free to attend if they chose. Carter added, "Club America is a student‑led movement; participation is entirely optional. We welcome parents who want to support their children’s civic engagement."
The controversy echoes TPUSA’s broader push to expand its youth outreach, a strategy that has drawn both praise and criticism since the death of founder Charlie Kirk. The organization claims it has more than 1,200 student‑led chapters nationwide, positioning itself as a platform for freedom‑loving values.
Parents who attended the assembly said they were not forced to stay, and the school board has announced it will review the incident to ensure transparency. The board plans a public meeting next month to address parental concerns and outline policies for future assemblies.