Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01) is seeking answers regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) alleged “attempts to silence parents.” Hagedorn announced his support for a letter, led by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI-10), asking why the DOJ “is targeting parents who speak out in opposition to school board decisions.”
Proud to join @RepLisaMcClain’s letter seeking answers from the DOJ about attempts to silence parents who have concerns about what their child is learning in school. Parents have the right to be involved in their child’s education without intimidation from the Federal government. https://t.co/a5R7vztG2J
— Congressman Jim Hagedorn (@RepHagedorn) October 8, 2021
Hagedorn, referencing a recent memo from Attorney General Merrick Garland, said, “Parents have the right to be involved in their child’s education without intimidation from the Federal government.”
Hagedorn believes the DOJ is attempting “to silence parents who have concerns about what their child is learning in school.”
The letter to Garland, signed by over 60 United States Representatives, says that while there has been increased participation in local school board meetings, a majority of the involved parents have not threatened violence. They said that they agree that violence is unacceptable, but that “no government official has the right to claim that a citizen may not peacefully speak out against government policies.”
The letter reads, “Over the past several months, we have seen increased civic involvement and participation at local government forums, specifically at school board meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are taking notice of what and how their children are being taught in the classroom, hot-button social issues being weaved into the curriculum, and what safety protocols their child is supposed to follow while attending school. While some of these meetings may get heated, most of the parents who have been attending these meetings have simply voiced their passions and concerns for their children and their futures.”
The signers indicated their concern regarding the contents of Garland’s recent memo. As reported by The Minnesota Sun, “Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Department of Justice and the FBI are launching an effort to address the alleged increase in ‘threats’ made against school officials.”
The letter from the representatives in response to Garland’s memo says, “Your October 4, 2021, memorandum to several directors across the Department of Justice informed them of your intention as the Attorney General to promulgate ‘a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.’ While we applaud your dedication to combating criminal activity across the United States, we have grave concerns with your announcement.”
They asked for Garland to “provide clarity on your Department’s intentions,” by November 15.
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Hayley Tschetter is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun and The Wisconsin Daily Star | Star News Network. Follow Hayley on Twitter or like her Facebook page. Send news tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jim Hagedorn” by Jim Hagedorn. Background Photo “Family” by ForestTC.
