Campaign Promises - Exit TASB or Not?
Conservatives in Texas have voiced several concerns about the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). Their issues center on claims that TASB promotes liberal policies in public schools and uses taxpayer dollars in ways that clash with conservative values.
Here’s a breakdown of the main conservative concerns with TASB
Promotion of “Leftist Agenda”: TASB advocates for progressive policies, especially around gender identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). For example, TASB uses taxpayer funds to promote DEI and policies tied to gender identity, including guidance for transgender students regarding restrooms and pronouns.
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying: Republican lawmakers and the Republican Party of Texas, argue that TASB receives millions in taxpayer funds via school district membership dues and then uses those funds to lobby for policies with which many Texas taxpayers disagree. This has led to calls for an end to taxpayer-funded lobbying and for districts to cut ties with TASB.
Parental Rights: TASB’s guidance on gender identity can undermine parental authority. Specific objections are raised to documents suggesting school staff exercise caution when a student requests that their gender identity be kept private from parents, which in effect subvert parental rights.
One of the "conservative" candidates currently running for re-election, despite campaign promises to exit TASB, has cast two different votes that continue to support CFISD participation in TASB.