The White House defended the Justice Department from complaints it was being politicized after Attorney General Merrick Garland escalated his federal agency’s response to threats against public school officials and teachers.
Threats of violence against public servants are illegal, which includes public school board members and educators, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Republican lawmakers have expressed concern the department would target parents who are concerned about public schools’ policies.
‘UNIFIER’ BIDEN LEADS AN INCREASINGLY DIVIDED COUNTRY AND PARTY
Psaki said President Joe Biden supported the parents’ right to protest.
“He doesn’t stand for the fundamental right — I assume you don’t either — for people to take violent action against public servants. And that’s what the threats are about,” she told reporters.
School board meetings nationwide have become increasingly confrontational as officials and parents clash over how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, particularly over mask or vaccine mandates for students and staff. There are also becoming heated over the perceived importance placed on critical race theory in curricula. Some parents are concerned the theory indoctrinates children into thinking the United States is an inherently racist society.
The National School Boards Association asked Biden last week for help in considering these threats a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes. Psaki reminded reporters on Wednesday that the association was not part of the federal government.
“I’d point you to them,” she said, adding she did not speak for the group.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco told the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that her department was not seeking to censor parents’ right to free speech with their law enforcement reaction. Instead, she insisted it was working to improve communication between local and state agencies regarding the threats.
Garland issued a memo a day earlier requesting FBI representatives and federal prosecutors talk with local and state police within 30 days about strategies to address the “disturbing trend.” Possible proposals include a training program and a new federal task force.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation’s core values,” he wrote. “Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.”
