Trainer pitches "Refuse to Be a Victim" safety program; district told there is no cost to the board

Lester Tupper addressed the Lauderdale County Board of Education on April 8 to outline the "Refuse to Be a Victim" safety-training program and sponsorship details.

Tupper described himself as a certified trainer who has taught the program in 25 countries and said the curriculum was established in 1993 and made co-ed in 1997. He told the board the program is aimed primarily at juniors and seniors preparing to leave their small-town schools for college or the workforce. According to the minutes, Tupper said the National Rifle Association sponsors the program and "will pay for student packets," and he emphasized that "there is no cost to the Board."

Why it matters: The program is presented as an optional, no-cost training resource targeted at older students. Board members heard background on the program's origin and its sponsorship; the minutes do not record a board action to adopt or schedule the program for district-wide delivery.

Details and limits: The minutes note that the program contains no firearms instruction and that materials will be provided by the sponsor. Tupper also mentioned a personal detail (his wife is a manager at the Dollar General in Lexington). The record does not show further discussion, approval, or scheduling for classroom implementation; no motion or vote to adopt the program appears in the minutes.

Sources: Board meeting minutes, April 8, 2026.