Cascade student urges board to reject Turning Point USA club, citing safety concerns for LGBTQ students
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Summary
A Cascade High School junior told the board that a proposed Turning Point USA club at Cascade would create an unsafe environment for LGBTQ students and urged clearer district policy; the board advised the student to discuss concerns with their principal and cited existing bullying and DEI policies.
Finley Mikesell, a junior at Cascade High School and ASB secretary, addressed the board during public comment to ask directors to oppose a proposed Turning Point USA club on campus, saying screenshots show members speaking unkindly about gay and transgender students and that approval would contradict district DEI and anti‑bullying policies. “These clubs actions are in direct contradiction to every public schools policies regarding bullying against LGBTQIA plus identifying students,” Mikesell told the board.
Mikesell said Turning Point USA, an organization previously associated with Charlie Kirk, has posted materials and comments that raise safety concerns for students who identify as LGBTQ. He asked the board to clarify policies about what clubs may and may not do and to take a stand against the group if its campus behavior would harm students.
President Mitchell and Superintendent Saltzman did not rule on club approval during the meeting; Mitchell instructed Mikesell to speak with their principal about school policies and noted that written responses will be sent to public commenters. Saltzman reiterated district procedures that limit immigration enforcement on campus but did not comment directly on club recognition processes at the district level.
Why it matters: The comment raised a question about how the district balances student club recognition and free‑speech concerns with its commitment to inclusive, safe learning environments. The board did not adjudicate the club’s status in public session; school‑level ASB approval and district policies are part of the process as described in the meeting.
Next step: The board indicated the appropriate immediate action is to work through school and ASB channels; Mikesell and other concerned students were directed to their principal for policy specifics and follow‑up.