By Miriam Raftery
October 27, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – Following a rise in complaints by school board members, teachers and school workers over threats of violence, harassment and intimidation, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced plans to convene a meeting with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement leaders to create strategies for addressing this trend.
In a press release, the Dept. of Justice also encouraged education officials to report threats to the FBI’s National Threat operations Center tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or via the FBI website at http://fbi.gov/tips. “Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation’s core values,” Garland states. “Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.”
Republicans have criticized Garland for setting up what they term a “snitch line on parents” and seeking to suppress free speech. But in testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, Garland made clear that he has no intention of targeting free speech, which he said is “totally protected by the First Amendment…We are only concerned about violence and threats of violence against school administrators, teachers, staff.”
In response to the Dept. of Justice announcement, Congressman Darrell Issa, a Republican from the 50th district which includes San Diego and much of East County, introduced the “Stand With Parents” resolution.
“Parents should be empowered to directly communicate with education professionals and other public entities that directly shape and determine their children’s schooling, development, health, and well-being,” said Issa. “Parental input at the community level that is presented in a lawful and appropriate manner should always be received and not discouraged.”
Congressman Issa was joined by 22 of his colleagues in introducing this resolution, which specifically outlines the importance of parental influence in and outside of the classroom. A full copy of the resolution can be found HERE.
“In numerous public meetings and even at the highest levels of government, parents are being labeled as domestic terrorists. And the Biden Administration wants to silence them,” said Issa. “I won’t let that happen. It’s time for the People’s House to stand with America’s parents.”
Garland disputed this point in his testimony, making clear that his memorandum does not use the words `domestic terrorism.’ He also clarified that he does not foresee any circumstance in which the Patriot Act would be used against parents complaining on behalf of their children, “nor can I imagine a circumstance where they would be labeled as domestic terrorism.”