The Texas Messenger reached out to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) for a statement regarding comments made by a speaker at the recent Summer Leadership Institute. It was reported that the speaker, Buck Gilcrease, suggested “weaponizing” teachers by withholding compensation as a means to influence their advocacy and actions. The following is the full statement we received from a TASB spokesperson:
Organizations beside TASB often present at our events and all registrants are notified that the “views expressed in presentations and materials offered by non-TASB staff are the views of the presenters only and do not necessarily reflect the views of TASB, its members, officers, directors, or staff. TASB does not endorse any third-party exhibitor, event host, speaker, sponsor, participant, or other attendee merely because of their participation or presence at event activities or on the event premises. TASB may provide notice of events hosted by organizations or persons unrelated to the official TASB program; however, TASB is not responsible for the activities of such unrelated organizations and persons. TASB events are nonpartisan, and TASB does not support or oppose candidates for public office.”
Lastly, if the comment was made, the viewpoint described does not represent a TASB position, nor one that we agree with or support. As a nonpartisan member organization, TASB takes no position on how people should vote.
— TASB Spokesperson (07/30/2024)
July 12-15, 2024
July 29, 2024
July 30, 2024
No response has been received to date.
