Good morning, 

This is the Texas Minute for Thursday, February 22, 2024.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

UPFRONT: In yesterday's edition, we reported on Donald Trump's endorsement of Liz Case in her GOP challenge to State Rep. Stan Lambert. The wrong House District number was given; they are running in HD71.

Texas Border Forces ‘Holding the Line’ in Eagle Pass

• Nearly a month after the U.S. Supreme Court moved to allow federal agents to tear down Texas’ barriers along the southern border, the state’s forces are continuing to hold their ground. Brandon Waltens reports from Eagle Pass that Gov. Greg Abbott is showing no signs of backing down.
     
• The effort appears to be working. Recent reports have indicated that illegal crossings have decreased in Texas and shifted to other parts of the country like Arizona and California.
        
• Last week, Abbott announced the construction of an 80-acre base for Texas National Guard soldiers in Eagle Pass. The base will be able to house up to 1,800 soldiers and will have the ability to take in 500 additional troops. Currently, soldiers have been quartered in hotels and rental properties throughout the region.

RELATED NEWS...

ISD Promises ‘Coverage’ for Employees Who Vote in GOP Primary... And Against School Choice

• A Denton Independent School District administrator emailed employees encouraging them to vote in the Republican primary election, decrying school choice and making other politically charged allegations. Sydnie Henry has the details.
       
• Lindsay Lujan, the district’s Director of Special Programs, told employees in an "all staff" message that the school "will provide coverage for ALL" staff who "go and vote in the Texas Republican Primary."
        
• "This constitutes illegal electioneering under the election code, which is completely unacceptable. It is a criminal offense for an officer or employee of a school district to knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising." – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
      
• A district spokeswoman defended the practice in a statement to Texas Scorecard.

MORE EDUCATION NEWS...

• Parents have said Leander ISD has done a poor job keeping parents "informed of severe incidents" on school campuses, as well as a "history of covering up child exploitation and violent attacks."

Texas College Reinstates Biology Professor Fired for Teaching That Chromosomes Determine Sex

• St. Philip’s College in San Antonio has reinstated Dr. Johnson Varkey after terminating him for teaching his students that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes. Emily Medeiros has the story.
      
• Varkey was fired after four students in his class walked out when he stated that X and Y chromosomes determine sex.
      
• First Liberty Institute filed a federal religious discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of Varkey, claiming the school discriminated against his religious and scientific beliefs. The institution has relented and Varkey will be back in the classroom this fall.

Hugh Shine Challenged on School Choice Vote

• Republican State Rep. Hugh Shine of Temple is facing three challengers in the ongoing GOP primary, with his vote against school choice playing a prominent role in the campaign. Amelia McKenzie profiles the race.
     
• Shine's challengers include Hillary Hickland, Jorge Estrada, and Davis Ford.
      
• The incumbent's top donors include House Speaker Dade Phelan and Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
      
• Hickland has received endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and other notable officials and grassroots organizations.

Quote-Unquote

"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air."

– John Quincy Adams​

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