It’s amazing how quickly the federal government acted. A month after that statement, former AG Garland issued a memorandum to direct “the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working with each United States Attorney, to convene meetings with federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders in each federal judicial district within 30 days of the issuance of this memorandum.” What was the purpose of these meetings? One can merely speculate it was to gather intel on citizens to ensure voices were silenced, which actions taken revealed.
Unintended Consequences were Exposed
The documents generated outcries from the people and Congress. Though no substantial or tangible consequences materialized, parents and community members became more vocal against the progressive, woke ideology being forced on schools and children. Not only was health an issue, but the ideologies of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Social Justice, and more were exposed.
Organizations were created to deal specifically with these ideologies and school boards were being scrutinized. Finding common sense school board candidates and training members to know their role and responsibilities became a focus.
Many state school board associations pondered withdrawing their membership because the affiliation provoked cannon fodder in local districts. Earned political capital was viewed to be at risk which jeopardized relationships within communities and with state legislators. In addition, NSBA’s actions alienated school boards from state associations equating to lost revenue.
The Woke Messaging Remains
Over the past 4+ years the NSBA has continued to work on mending fences by altering their messaging, but the woke ideology remains. This year they are hosting the Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) 2025 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. At the time of this writing there are two Keynote Speakers scheduled for this event.
The first one announced is Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Mr. Stevenson, as stated on the NSBA website, is a “public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” In addition, the EJI created three national landmarks that “chronicle the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial segregation, and the connection to mass incarceration and contemporary issues of racial bias.”
Many of his efforts are commendable. However, they emerge as social justice rhetoric, which promotes a high level of racial bias. Many of his affiliations have bias viewpoints, which questions his ability to represent issues in an impartial manner.
The second keynote speaker is Colin Kaepernick, a football player who in 2016 took a knee during the playing of the national anthem. His actions were motivated by his opinions regarding racial inequality and police brutality for people of color.
Some people agreed with his position while others found him to be disrespectful and unpatriotic. Yes, citizens have 1st amendment rights. But the real question is why the NSBA wants to invite a known football player who is famous for political posturing with no discernable contribution to education.
Keynote Speaker Alternatives
It is good to question the criteria NSBA used to select keynote speakers. For this event it appears they used division, bias, and equity, not unity, colorblindness, and equality. There are many individuals who promote equality, hard work, personal responsibility, and making decisions based on common sense policy and the law.
One alternative is retired football player Jack Brewer, founder of The Brewer Group and a servant of God. Another alternative is Congressman Burgess Owens, retired football player, and founder of Second Chance 4 Youth. These men work within their communities to support equal opportunity through the promotion of hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance.
Yes, sports celebrities draw attendees, which can make for a successful event. However, the conference is targeting school board members, not students. Members need help with improving their decision-making skills, navigating the bureaucracy, gaining financial knowledge, and dealing with difficult, unexpected situations. These are a few worthy factors that should be considered when selecting speakers.
Alternative to NSBA
Life is full of choices and if communities want better schools, then candidates who put students first must be elected. The NSBA has shown they are continuing to push their woke ideology, regardless of the law. This is why Laura Zorc founded the National School Boards Coalition (NSBC). She is building an alternative network state by state to make sure all school board members know what their authority is and where it comes from. The focus is supporting members to be effective in their decision making, wise with spending taxpayer dollars, and deepen their understanding of the role and responsibilities. Elected school board members must be dedicated to strengthening our schools, board rooms, and communities by focusing on educating, not sacrificing, our youth.
Author Karen Hiltz, EdD, is a speaker and author from Sebastian, FL. Dr. Hiltz is Navy veteran, retired federal procurement professional and former professor of business and public school board member. She has a BA and MBA in Management and an EdD in Leadership Studies.
- National School Boards Association (NSBA)
- COVID 19
- lockdowns
- mask mandates
- Biden administration
- Biden Justice Department
- Woke ideology
- Critical Race Theory
- School Board candidates
- Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
- Social justice
- Colin Kaepernick
- Jack Brewer
- Rep. Burgess Owens
- National School Boards Coalition (NSBC)
- Laura Zorc
