Snowflake (Arizona) School District explains Why they can't add a Turning Point USA Chapter [View all]

Short version:
There has been a budget related moratorium on new clubs since 2009

Needless to say, this is not going over well with local MAGAS. It sounds like there have been threats of violence and/or disruption of the schools. Not this passage:




https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDY8qpip1/

"Dear Parents and Staff,
Recently, a few students requested that Snowflake High School sponsor a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter.
During the economic recession around 2009, the district placed a moratorium on new clubs in order to reduce costs and minimize fundraisers, which were creating financial strain on local businesses and the community. At that time, we also began eliminating clubs not directly tied to the curriculum.
We only have two legal options:
-- Allow all new clubs, meaning the district must approve every proposed club without discrimination regardless of the focus of the club.
-- Allow no new clubs, meaning the district restricts the creation of any new club beyond those approved prior to the moratorium.
Snowflake Unified School District has chosen to continue its longstanding policy of not allowing new clubs. This ensures consistency, and fairness. The recent request for a TPUSA club was reviewed and denied in accordance with this policy-not because of political or personal viewpoints, but because no new clubs have been approved since the 2009 decision.
Unfortunately, this decision has triggered an emotional reaction from some adults in and outside our community, including threats of organizing protests around the school. This behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning. Law enforcement has been contacted and is aware of the situation.
Let us be clear: disrupting or interfering with the normal operation of an educational institution is a felony offense in Arizona (A.R.S. § 13-2911).
This situation has now become a school and student safety concern. Any violations will be taken seriously and investigated.
We want to remind everyone that as adults, we must be peacemakers and model civil discourse for our students. Turning our schools that serve minor children into a political battleground, does not serve our children or our community.
Snowflake Unified School District has worked tirelessly to provide an exceptional education for our students. Our schools are high performing academically, and our students and staff continue to excel in activities, programs, and athletics at unprecedented levels. While we always strive for improvement, our unified goal of consistent, system wide success has been achieved through focus, teamwork, and community support.
If students or community members wish to create a Turning Point USA chapter, that can be done independently within the community, without school sponsorship. School campuses must remain neutral spaces dedicated to learning and student safety.
Our plea to the public is simple: let us continue this important work for our students and the communities we serve. We ask for your partnership in keeping our schools safe, focused, and free from outside disruption.
Sincerely,
Hollis J. Merrell
Superintendent
Snowflake Unified School District"