The move is in response to NSBA letter suggesting protests are “domestic terrorism.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland said there has been a “disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, leaders, and staff.” He called on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to “use its authority” against parents who threaten or use violence against public school officials.
In a memorandum, he directed the FBI to work with each U.S. attorney and leaders “in each federal judicial district” to discuss strategies to address threats within 30 days of his statement. His memorandum did not specify what the Justice Department classifies as a crime.
His action follows a letter from the National School Board Association (NSBA) that asked the federal government to get involved in the “immediate threat” of violence from parents faced by American public schools and its education officials. The NSBA said the incidents could be “the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.”
Parents of school-aged children have expressed their frustrations over controversial issues such as Critical Race Theory, mask mandates, vaccine requirements, and more.
Attorney General Garland’s memorandum said, “In the coming days, the Department will announce a series of measures designed to address the rise of criminal conduct toward school personnel.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Department of Justice and FBI officials as they work with local federal law enforcement to investigate threats of violence against school personnel.
- For U.S. officials to uphold First Amendment protections of parents as they raise concerns over the education of their children.
- For parents as they seek the best educational options for their children.
Sources: Daily Caller, Just The News
