JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Turning Point USA is expanding its presence with new chapters, including one starting soon at Fletcher High School in Duval County.
However, a message showing someone holding a sign that reads “9 millimeters beats 911 every time” has raised concerns among students who see it as promoting gun violence in a school setting.
One anonymous Fletcher High student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, expressed strong opposition to the club’s presence.
“A club that teaches exclusion rather than inclusion has no place in my heart on the school campus,” the student said, also criticizing the school district’s response to the flyer, saying, “If any other club did that, they would be suspended into the ground almost indefinitely.”
Duval County Public Schools addressed the issue in a statement posted on their Facebook page, in which the district emphasized its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment that welcomes all students.
The statement noted that Fletcher High School has worked with the Turning Point USA club to ensure compliance with district guidelines and that the club is updating its flyer.
Despite the district’s response, the student said the impact of the flyer has already been felt throughout the school.
“I mean, these are teachers that maybe you could tell that they’re liberal, or they’re very obviously queer. And they are scared that they may be targets of hate. And that’s not something that should be happening in a school.”
Following the student’s concerns, district spokesperson Laureen Ricks said she forwarded the information to school leadership for review. She also encouraged students to engage directly with school leaders to help foster a safe, positive, and supportive environment.
“Student voice is an important part of shaping school culture,” Ricks said.
The national Turning Point USA organization was contacted for comment regarding guidelines on flyers distributed by their chapters, but no response has been received yet.
The first Turning Point USA meeting at Fletcher High School is scheduled for November 3 at 2 p.m.