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How do you feel about Texas A&M offering a "Social Justice Leadership" program this fall? Sound off below in today's One Click Survey.
This is the Texas Minute for Monday, August 19, 2024.
– Michael Quinn Sullivan
Paxton Sues Biden Administration Over ‘Gender Identity’ Rule
- Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a counterattack against the Biden administration following its attempt to force employers to make accommodations for employees’ “gender identity.” Will Biagini has the details.
- A new rule from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has broadened the definition of discrimination by making both state and private employers liable to lawsuits if they refuse to make accommodations based on an employee’s “gender identity” rather than biological sex. Among other things, the rule forces business owners to go along with an employee's gender delusions, such as compelled use of “preferred pronouns,” and forcing their female employees to share restrooms with biological males.
- In his lawsuit, Paxton argues the Biden-Harris administration is “unlawfully weaponizing” the EEOC and circumventing federal law.
Accused Rapist Illegally Entered US Through Texas
- A 19-year-old illegal alien from Guatemala is accused of raping a Maryland resident. Henry Argueta-Tobar was first apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in 2019 as an "accompanied minor" illegally entering the country near El Paso. He was released two days later.
- In late 2023, Argueta-Tobar was arrested on rape charges in Maryland but was released despite an "immigration detainer." He has since been arrested again, and the Department of Justice has ordered his deportation.
Fort Worth Students Are Not Meeting Grade-level Standards
- A new report finds that only 35 percent of students attending government schools in Fort Worth meet grade-level standards. Emily Medeiros has the story.
- Only 43 percent of Fort Worth public school students can read at grade level. The situation is worse for math, science, and social studies; 32 percent, 23 percent, and 24 percent of students operate at grade level in those classes, respectively.
- The situation is the same statewide, with student academic performance on the decline.
- “Government bureaucracy in almost every case is more interested in growing itself than it is producing results. Our public schools are no different. In every other industry on the planet, free markets make the products better and less expensive. We should apply those same principles to our schools.” – Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French
RELATED NEWS
- A new poll finds Texans support school instructional materials that include historical religious stories as part of a high-quality curriculum. Debra McClure reports the polling, produced by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, finds Texans believe the resources would help students better understand Western civilization.
Parents Blast ‘Horrific’ Handling of Abuse Allegations
- Parents blasted Rockwall Independent School District officials for their “horrific” handling of sexual abuse allegations involving a female pre-K teacher and a 4-year-old boy in her class, accusing the district of sweeping the scandal under the rug. Erin Anderson reports school trustees and administrators are being blamed for keeping families in the dark.
- “We deserve truth. We deserve transparency. These are our tax dollars,” said one parent, Leslie Cunningham. “I am absolutely disgusted. Do better.”
Travis County Officials Want Tax Increase
- In a widely anticipated move, Travis County commissioners voted to place a tax increase on the ballot. Adam Cahn reports the higher levy would bring in an additional $75 million, which the all-Democrat commissioner's court plans to use for expanded childcare subsidies.
- In all, the county's portion of the property tax burden will increase by almost $300 for the average homeowner. This does not include anticipated tax hikes by the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District.
Quote-Unquote
"Socialism easily accepts despotism. It requires the strongest execution of power—power sufficient to interfere with property."
– Lord Acton
Number of the Day
338
Number of days since Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked House Speaker Dade Phelan to reveal how much was spent on his secretive (and failed) impeachment push against Attorney General Ken Paxton.
[Source: Senate Journal; calendar]
ONE CLICK SURVEY
This fall, Texas A&M is offering a certification in “Social Justice Leadership” focused on DEI principles and woke ideology.
Does this make you more or less likely to encourage young people in your family to attend Texas A&M?
Once you’ve clicked an answer, reply to this email with any thoughts you’d like to share!
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