Wyoming superintendent addresses concerns over student club’s free speech rights

Megan Degenfelder, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for Wyoming, has issued a statement in response to reported interference with the formation of a Turning Point USA chapter at Natrona County High School (NCHS). The issue involves Kylie Wall, a student seeking to establish the chapter.

In her statement, Degenfelder emphasized the importance of open debate and free speech within educational settings. "I stand with Kylie Wall and with any student in Wyoming who wants to learn and engage civically and thoughtfully. Our administrators and teachers must foster environments that are safe for ideas and debate, not closed classrooms where only certain viewpoints are tolerated. Every student in this state has the right to speak, to question, and to debate in school. When an administrator or teacher tries to silence them, they are crossing a line that I will not ignore," she said.

Degenfelder confirmed that she has spoken with both Kylie Wall and District Superintendent Angela Hensley regarding the situation. She stated her intention to continue advocating for the rights of students like Kylie Wall and groups such as Turning Point USA. "I will continue to push for Kylie and Turning Point USA’s right to free speech, as well as to work with Superintendent Hensley for answers and accountability. To administrators who would stifle student speech or treat one club differently from another: this is your wake-up call. The Constitution does not stop at the schoolhouse doors," Degenfelder added.

The matter remains under discussion between state education officials and district leadership.