The oldest teachers union in Texas is calling parents ‘extremists’ for opposing radical leftist changes to the state’s social studies curriculum.
On Tuesday, the State Board of Education held a public hearing concerning the proposed changes, which would have put new emphasis on worldwide LGBTQ “pride” issues while deemphasizing Texas history, among other radical shifts.
Parents, grassroots activists, and even some lawmakers pushed back, leading the SBOE to postpone consideration of the changes to 2025
But while parents celebrated, the Texas State Teachers Association, which boasts over 68,000 members, villainized them.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina blasted what she characterized as an “attack” on on teachers:
Educators celebrate the growing diversity in Texas public schools and communities, including the contributions of the LBGTQ+ community as well as people of color. Right-wing political extremists, including some elected officials, fear diversity and have been using the issue to try to drive a wedge between teachers and the parents whose support is critical for classroom success. Lies, such as critical race theory, which isn’t taught in Texas public schools, are among their weapons
The extremists’ latest attack resulted in yesterday’s decision by a majority of the State Board of Education to delay approval of a much-improved social studies curriculum that would recognize the contributions of all Texans to our culture and school life. It also would provide some much-needed updates to our outdated curriculum standards
“If state leaders are serious about addressing the teacher shortage, they will quit stirring up these extremist political stunts or teacher morale may plummet even more,” Molina added
The statement by TSTA is similar to a statement made by the National School Board Association last year. In a letter to President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting federal intervention in local school board meetings and referring to concerned parents as “domestic terrorists.”
TSTA has also been staunchly opposed to renewed school choice efforts in Texas to give families more options when it comes to educating their children.
While teacher union membership is voluntary in Texas, state lawmakers have repeatedly rejected efforts to end automatic union dues, by which the state deducts union dues out of teacher paychecks and sends the money directly to the union.
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