The New Hampshire School Boards Association is the latest to leave the National School Boards Association after it sent a letter to the Biden administration demanding federal law enforcement target parents using “domestic terrorism” laws.
“This email is to inform you that NHSBA [the New Hampshire School Board Association] has decided to withdraw its membership from the National School Boards Association, effective immediately,” NHSBA Executive Director Barrett Christina wrote on Thursday. “NSBA’s recent actions have made our continued membership untenable.”
"NHSBA has decided to withdraw its membership from the National School Boards Association, effective immediately. NSBA’s recent actions have made our continued membership untenable." pic.twitter.com/eoozMT5rGe
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) October 28, 2021
More than 21 state school board associations reported that they were not consulted before the NSBA sent its letter to the Biden administration and many, including those of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, have divorced themselves from the national organization as a result.
Recently released emails obtained by Parents Defending Education through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that NSBA President Viola Garcia and CEO Chip Slaven conspired and exchanged information with the White House before releasing official demands for the Biden administration to target parents. The emails also show that the NSBA’s board of directors, much like the state school board associations that denounced the national organization over the letter, were not consulted about the plea before it was released to the public.
Just two days after NSBA sent the letter to the Biden administration, Garcia joined the National Assessment Governing Board, which assists in determining the questions that are asked on Nation’s Report Card tests and subsequently informs federal education policy.
The NSBA released a statement last week expressing regret for sending the letter and even admitted that “there was no justification for some of the language included in the letter” but Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated in a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing on Wednesday that the Department of Justice will keep targeting parents regardless.