Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Stands with Parents in Strong Opposition to Weaponization of the Department of Justice

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) this week sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing her concern regarding a memorandum he issued ordering law enforcement to more closely monitor parents who have expressed concern about critical race theory and masking policies in schools.

On October 4, 2021, Attorney General Garland sent a memorandum to multiple senior officials in the Department of Justice directing them to investigate the recent “spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.” 

While Tenney and the other cosigners strongly condemn any acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation, they expressed strong concern that this order seeks to prevent or deter parents from taking an active role in their children's education. Across the country, many school board meetings have seen heated debates between parents and those on school boards and in other elected offices. However, the vast majority of parents who attend these meetings have peacefully expressed their concerns regarding school policies and curriculums, as is their right as parents and Americans. 

“I take very strong issue with Attorney General Garland weaponizing the DOJ against concerned parents who are appropriately exercising their rights. Parents are justified in their concern about their children’s curriculum, and they have every right to engage responsibly with elected officials to make their voices heard. Critical race theory is not history, it is a political ideology that has the intentional goal of dividing Americans. It shouldn’t be taught in our schools. It is critical that we continue to support the role of parents, not the government, as those with ultimate responsibility for the wellbeing and education of our children. I encourage more parents to get involved and stop indoctrination and hate from being taught in American schools,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Lisa McClain (MI-10) Matthew Rosendale (MT-AL), David McKinley (WV-01), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Ken Calvert (CA-42), Fred Keller (PA-12), W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), Ann Wagner (MO-02), David Rouzer (NC-07), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Tom Emmer (MN-06), and Bob Gibbs (OH-07).  

The complete text of the letter can be found here or below.  

Dear Attorney General Garland,

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.

While we agree with you that any threat of violence against these government officials should be condemned and investigated, no government official has the right to claim that a citizen may not peacefully speak out against government policies. Statements made by officials like former Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, who publicly stated, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach,”[1] are utterly unacceptable. Government officials need to recognize that in our Constitutional republic, they are elected to represent the public. While they should never be subjected to threats, they are not above criticism or disagreement from the citizens who elected them. If we are to live in a free society, it is your job as Attorney General of the United States to defend the rights of all citizens.

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.”[2] While we applaud your dedication to combatting criminal activity across the United States, we have grave concerns with your announcement. We are requesting answers to the following questions to provide clarity on your Department’s intentions. Please respond no later than November 15^th, 2021:

1. What specific cases are you referencing in your memorandum that rise to the level of “criminal conduct?”
2. What criteria/behavior is the Department of Justice considering “criminal conduct?”
3. What federal statutes do you plan to cite in your prosecution of these parents?
4. Who will be conducting the investigation into these cases? Please provide details on the roles of the FBI, United States Attorneys, State and local law enforcement, and any other entities that will be involved.
5. Will you be looking into other cases of alleged intimidation of school board members who have attempted to end COVID-era policies? 

As the top law enforcement officer in the United States, it is your responsibility to combat criminal behavior as well as defend the Constitutional rights of all Americans. We hope you will take these duties seriously and not stifle free speech while moving forward with your investigations.

Sincerely,

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