LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — A letter written by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) prompted several state school board associations, including Kentucky, to sever ties, according to a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader.
The letter called on the Biden administration to intervene in parent protests at school board meetings, saying “actions could amount to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.”
“The KSBA Board of Directors voted on Nov. 7 to withdraw its membership in the National School Boards Association, a decision taken in response to a pattern of dysfunction within the NSBA organization,” the door said. -Kentucky School Boards Association spokesman Josh Shoulta to the Herald-Leader.
“The NSBA’s Sept. 29 letter calling for a broad federal law enforcement response is the most recent and visible example of this. KSBA objected to the tone, inflammatory language and certain characterizations made in the letter,” Shoulta said.
The NSBA apologized for the letter saying, “We regret and apologize for the letter. To be clear, the safety of school board members, other public school officials and educators, and students is our top priority, and there remains significant work to be done on this issue.
The NSBA statement went on to say, “However, there was no substantiation for some of the language included in the letter. We should have had a better process in place to allow for consultation on a communication of this importance. We also apologize for the strain and stress this situation has caused you and your organizations. »
Kentucky was one of at least 11 state school board associations that moved away from national headquarters, including Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, as reported by the National Review.
NSBA officials did not immediately comment on the Kentucky chapter’s decision.
After the letter was released, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland urged the United States Department of Justice to initiate “a series of measures designed to address the increase in criminal behavior against school personnel. “, KSBA officials said in an October statement.
KSBA officials also said, “KSBA has not been advised or requested any input into the creation of this letter. NSBA’s position and request do not reflect the considered opinion of KSBA. »
Although he opposes the letter, KSBA officials have acknowledged that they are aware of when people have been inappropriate, and in some cases illegal, towards school boards, their members and school staff. district.
A KSBA statement in October said: “These behaviors are troubling and their seriousness should not be diminished. Fortunately, they seem to represent the isolated actions of a small number of people.
KSBA officials went on to say, “Unlawful acts, violence and intimidation of any public official will not be tolerated, and districts will continue to work closely with local law enforcement to resolve public safety issues”.
