Lehighton Area School District directors discussed the possibility of a Turning Point USA club forming at the high school during Monday night’s board meeting, following a proposal from veteran Brandon Bell.

Board President Joy Beers said Bell first raised the idea earlier this year, and some directors agreed to support the effort if enough students and adults stepped forward.

“To start a club, they look for three student volunteers along with parent and teacher mentors,” Beers said. “I’ve already had two parents reach out through other contacts saying they want to participate and assist.”

Turning Point USA is a conservative youth organization founded in 2012 by activist Charlie Kirk. The group, according to its website, promotes free markets, limited government and civic engagement. According to the organization, it has established student chapters at high schools and colleges across the country, where members organize events, encourage voter registration and advocate on political issues.

Beers told the board she has been in contact with Jewel Gilbert of Turning Point, who emphasized the civic focus of the group.

“He said this is a nonpartisan organization,” Beers said. “Their focus is civic engagement. They want students voting, informed and aware of what’s going on.”

Some board members questioned how the group might be perceived by the public.

“I understand they probably do consider themselves nonpartisan,” director Barbara Bowes said. “However, that is not the public’s perception. If this comes about, and there’s also a liberal group, we should allow that as well.”

Questions also arose about how the club would be structured, including whether it would require officers such as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Beers said details could be obtained.

“There’s some momentum now, and if people want to join up with these parents who are very interested, we can get things going sooner rather than later,” she said. “Voting is one of the things they encourage. These chapters usually start at the high school level, but there is also a middle school option in some places.”

Board member Jeremy Glaush said he has also received inquiries about a local Turning Point chapter.

“I’ve had a couple of people message me on Facebook, and I redirected them to Brandon,” Glaush said.

The discussion later turned to Kirk, who was recently shot and killed during a speech at a Utah college campus.

Director Duane Dellecker called the incident “absolutely disgusting” and criticized the way Kirk had been portrayed politically.

“A bunch of lefty loons painted him as a fascist for years and then they are surprised when someone takes him out,” Dellecker said.

“He definitely encouraged conversation and was never disrespectful,” Glaush said of Kirk.

The board did not take formal action Monday night but said more information would be gathered before deciding whether to move forward with establishing a Turning Point club at the high school.