Confirmation Hearing for State Board of Education Chair Don McLeroy on Wednesday
On Wednesday (April 22), the Senate Nominations Committee will hold a public hearing on the confirmation of Don McLeroy, R-Bryan, as SBOE chair. Gov. Rick Perry appointed McLeroy chairman in July 2007, after the last legislative session. So the Senate has never officially confirmed his appointment.
State lawmakers aren’t happy with a state board that has become increasingly dysfunctional (and embarrassing) since the Bryan dentist’s elevation to chairman. The board has disregarded established procedures, ignored state law, defied the Legislature and lurched from one “culture war” battle to the next. Most recently, of course, Chairman McLeroy led the board in opening the state’s science curriculum to creationist attacks on evolution, wildly declaring:
“I disagree with all these experts! Somebody has to stand up to these experts!”
-- Chairman Don McLeroy, SBOE Science Standards Hearing, March 27, 2009
Clearly, it's time for new leadership on the state board. By rejecting McLeory's nomination, the Senate would send a strong message to the state board that playing politics with our children's education -- and making Texas the laughingstock of the rest of the world -- is not acceptable.
What You Can Do
- Testify at the Hearing -- The Nominations Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. or 30 minutes after the Senate adjourns for the day on Wednesday. The hearing, which will include testimony on other nominations as well, will be in the Senate chamber at the Capitol. Those who want to testify should e-mail Judie at TFN or call 512-322-0545 for details.
- Contact the Committee Members -- Want to share your opinion about Chairman McLeroy with the committee but can’t come to Austin to testify? Click here for the committee’s Web page. Then click on each member’s name for contact information.
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