The letter—which characterizes protesting parents as domestic terrorism threats and calls for the FBI to use statutes such as the PATRIOT Act—has since received significant backlash from the public as well as NSBA board members.
Garland’s statements about the issue came in response to questions from committee member Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) about when he first noticed the “disturbing spike” in threats of violence against educators.
“I read the [NSBA] letter, and we have been seeing over time—” Garland said before Jordan interjected.
“So you read the letter and that’s your source?” Jordan asked.
Garland said the NSBA, which represents more than 90,000 school board members in the United States, is an authoritative source.
“I agree with many of my colleagues that the board of directors should have been consulted before a letter like this was sent out publicly, and no less to the President of the United States and the national press,” NSBA board member John Halkias wrote to staff members on Oct. 1. “I also agree that the letter took a stance that went beyond what many of us would consider to be reasonable and used terms that were extreme.”
Halkias took issue with the NSBA letter—whose signatories are President Viola Garcia and Interim Executive Director Chip Slaven—characterizing protesting parents as domestic terrorism threats.
“Many of us have been put in a position now of explaining or defending this action of our association as we are asked by members of our community if we consider them domestic terrorists for showing up to our meetings and expressing their opinions,” Halkias wrote.
Throughout the hearing, numerous Republican lawmakers criticized Garland for launching his investigation into what largely has amounted to heated school board meetings. Parents groups have increased pressure on boards over the teaching of critical race theory and the imposition of mask mandates—and, at times, contentious meetings have resulted in fights and arrests.
Each time he was criticized, Garland said his memo has nothing to do with First Amendment-protected activity, and simply seeks to investigate reports of violence and threats. Despite admitting to the NSBA letter having influenced his decision to launch the probe, Garland said the investigation has nothing to do with domestic terrorism.
“I have to say I find it deeply disturbing that the National School Board Association convinced the Biden administration to sic you and your Justice Department and the FBI—the full power of federal law enforcement—on involved parents, as if they’re domestic terrorists,” said Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio).
“Other than a brief nod to the First Amendment, you include no guidance how FBI should go about avoiding chilling and intimidating legitimate First Amendment activity,” added Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.).
Some Democrat committee members defended Garland’s investigation.
Rep. Theodore Deutch (D-Fla.) said a probe is well-needed, citing recent threats against school board members.
“In Texas, a parent tore a teacher’s mask off her face. In California, a parent verbally assaulted a principal and physically attacked a teacher who intervened, sending him to the hospital,” Deutch said, criticizing Republicans for what he said is a lack of concern about violence.
