Fort Worth parents plan to protest a proposal to spend thousands of dollars on a left-leaning after-school program called “Girls Inc.”
Last year, parents spoke out against FWISD’s Equity and Excellence department, which plans to host the program, citing its radical teachings and the department’s cost, subsequently resulting in the supposed cancellation of the department.
FWISD Board Secretary C.J. Evans announced the elimination of the E&E department, but others like trustee Michael Ryan were more inclined to believe rumors that Superintendent Angélica Ramsey would only cancel the Racial Equity Committee—a segment of the E&E department.
This year’s school budget proposals continue to reference the E&E department, leaving parents confused.
A board meeting agenda item entitled “Approve Contract with a Tarrant County Program for the Development of Girls for the 2023-2024 School Year” was presented this month and listed as “under the contract with the Equity and Excellence Department.”
The proposal avoids naming Girls Inc. except in fine print that reads, “Girls Inc. of Tarrant County’s total true annual expenses to serve 8 schools with the same level of services at each campus is: $410,749.”
The board is now requesting FWISD contribute $175,000 to support the program’s expenses.
Girls Inc., the K-12 after-school program implemented at local schools like J.P. Elder Middle School and Manuel Jara Elementary School, has been the subject of controversy because of statements saying it “encourage[s] girls to develop sexual identities” and “function comfortably as responsible sexual beings.”
The program defines itself as “the only girl-serving institution in the community that is trauma-informed and provides a holistic learning experience,” although their official definition of a girl is “a young person who identifies as a girl regardless of her assigned sex at birth, or who is exploring gender identity or expression.”
When Girls Inc. refers to being “trauma-informed,” they mean having discussions around racial injustice and systemic oppression. They host a “Do’s and Don’ts for Non-Black Individuals” webpage, which outlines what girls can do to prevent themselves from “retraumatizing” minority groups.
Girls Inc. also advocates for “abortion rights” and gender “inclusivity,” including those who identify as “undocuqueer” and “two-spirit.” Their National Position on Gender Identity says young people are always old enough to know their gender identity, saying “trans youth” are increasingly “empowered to express their identity at younger ages.”
The Girls Inc. programs address a variety of topics, including “body image and self-esteem,” “healthy sexuality and reproductive health programs,” and “advocacy and community engagement.”
Carlos Turcios, a conservative organizer based in Fort Worth, says parents take issue with the program acting as a political advocacy group on taxpayers’ dime.
“Girls Inc. promotes political indoctrination of students by promoting abortion, transgenderism, and other left-leaning causes. It is a concern that taxpayer money is being used to push that agenda on young women,” Turcios told Texas Scorecard.
Turcios said that plans for protests against Girls Inc. and the E&E department’s spending are underway.
Aside from Fort Worth, Girls Inc. chapters exist in the San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston areas.
