Larry Baimbridge

“If you can’t find a single person employed at the school who is willing to fight this fight alongside the students, I think that says a lot about the kind of people, unfortunately, that are all too prevalent in some of these government education schools.” This kind of reporting is disingenuous and irresponsible. It’s frustrating to see political pundits exaggerate and twist facts to push agendas, generate clicks, or score political points. This interview quickly went from accurately describing intimidation tactics to falsely and unfairly portraying public school teachers implying they are all cowardly or liberal. Let’s be clear: it is NOT true that no school employees were willing to serve as sponsors. There are teachers willing to stand up, and some faced real intimidation for doing so. That takes courage. I am proud of them and will do anything I can to support them. I’m also proud of the students stepping up to start TPUSA chapters. This is happening in several of our schools. Their initiative in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is powerful, and I pray the Lord uses this tragedy to move hearts and lives toward Him. To minimize or dismiss teachers’ initial hesitation in the face of intimidation, however, shows a lack of understanding of what it means to put yourself into the public fray. It is hard, it can be costly, and it takes conviction. That’s why those who do step forward deserve even greater support. There were real intimidation and bullying tactics here, and I’m thankful the Spring Branch ISD police department and the Texas AG are investigating. If charges can be filed, they should be. But broad-brush attacks painting all teachers in a negative light cross a line. We have incredible educators in our schools, pouring themselves into kids every day. They deserve encouragement, not slander. There’s a troubling trend among some Republican politicians and influencers to paint public education in the darkest light possible. If Texas Scorecard or others want to assign blame, maybe they should look at Governor Abbott or his appointed head of TEA Mike Morath and the decades of Republican leadership that have shaped Texas public education. This issue isn’t about tearing down teachers. It’s about standing up for students, backing those who have the courage to sponsor their clubs, and recognizing the daily sacrifices of educators. I lost my uncle this past week, a man to whom I was very close and who gave 50 years of his life to public education impacting thousands of students. He represents the best of what our teachers can be. I am offended that Texas Scorecard would imply that great, Christian conservative teachers like him don’t exist in public schools. They do. And I am proud of men and women like him dedicating their lives to making a difference in our youth. Let’s lift up the students who are leading, and let’s stand behind the teachers willing to sponsor them. That’s where our focus should be.

Well done @KellerISD! We can’t afford to keep sending our $ to the state when our students have needs here at home. Who else will join us? #ComeandTakeIt @Plano_Schools @Midland_ISD @hpisdschools @LewisvilleISD @RoundRockISD @galvestonisd @EanesISD @GCISD @LTlsdschools @pbtisd