Where does YOUR state stand?

In the wake of the now-infamous National School Boards Association (NSBA) letter accusing parents who are criticizing and protesting the decisions of school boards of engaging in “domestic terrorism and hate crimes,” Parents Defending Education is putting the pressure on state school boards to respond.

We emailed 47 state school board associations for comment on the NSBA’s letter. (Hawaii and Washington, D.C., are not members of NSBA; Virginia and Louisiana had already made public statements distancing themselves from the NSBA letter.)

We asked:

• Was [state] school board involved in the creation of the letter?  Do you agree with its substance and tone, and if not, have you contacted the NSBA to let them know?
• Going forward, how will [state] school board define “intimidation,” “harassment,” and “threat”?
• Do you plan to report individuals in your state to the U.S. Department of Justice – or do you believe concerns can be adequately managed by local and state law enforcement?

As of November 9th, 26 states have distanced themselves from the NSBA’s letter: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Twelve states have taken action—Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin — to withdraw membership, participation, or dues from NSBA.

It’s understandable that state NSBA chapters would be outraged by the letter; among those that have issued statements, most have indicated that they were not consulted, were not asked for an opinion, and were not asked to sign off. What’s truly surprising is that every state hasn’t spoken out against the letter!

Chip, click here to read YOUR state school board’s response.

In the wake of the NSBA’s unprecedented assault on parental rights, it is critical that parents get a response from every one of America’s state school boards  — especially since the NSBA is  largely funded by dues collected from affiliated state school board associations, paid for by local school boards from taxpayer money.

After all, the NSBA uses its funding — taxpayer money intended for students — to advocate for a slate of radical causes including blocking school choice and lobbying for a larger federal footprint in local schools.

The NSBA has gotten away with pushing its increasingly ideological and hyper-politicized agenda in American schools. But finally, it has gone too far. Comparing legitimate protest to terrorism and violence reveals both NSBA’s contempt for parents and their unwillingness to understand and hear the sincere cries of parents on behalf of their children.

Chip, the NSBA’s letter is a true outrage to concerned parents and citizens like you. It’s now time to call on your state school board association to respond to the statements made by the NSBA– or thank them for having done so already!

Click here to read YOUR state school board association’s response.

Thank you for standing with Parents Defending Education as we refuse to allow America’s parents and teachers to be bullied, or have their free speech chilled by threats. Together we are keeping the pressure on the NSBA and state and local school boards — and fighting for the restoration of a healthy, non-political education for our kids.

Nicole Neily, President

Parents Defending Education