School board members under fire for mocking parents who requested in-person learning

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2021

In a leaked video, California school board members were seen mocking parents who have requested that the school opens up for in-person learning.

“These board members needs to resign,” tweeted Mercedes Schlapp, former Trump aide and WH Director of Strategic Communications.

These board members need to resign. https://t.co/cxMJOxUfUP
— Mercedes Schlapp (@mercedesschlapp) February 19, 2021

In the video, tweeted by @ReopenCASchools, school board members are heard saying, “they want their babysitters back.”

The video was recorded by a California parent who joined the online meeting.

“Are we alone?” another one asks. “B****, if you’re going to call me out, I’m going to f*** you up!” She says in response to a letter written from California parents to the school board.

BREAKING: Oakley, CA school board members caught on tape mocking parents who desperately need their kids back in the classroom.

“Are we alone?” one says. “Bitch, if you’re going to call me out, I’m going to f*** you up!” Another adds, “They want their babysitters back.”

1/3 pic.twitter.com/zMuFlqs4Gy
— Reopen California Schools (@ReopenCASchools) February 18, 2021

A third board member also insinuates that parents want their kids in school so they can smoke during the day.

The board members then realize the online meeting is open to the public and quickly end the call.

A protest is scheduled for this weekend in response to the video and to encourage the Oakley, Ca school board to reopen for students.

There is a protest this Saturday at noon.https://t.co/KiuE538dCJ pic.twitter.com/khzn8gUODE
— Reopen California Schools (@ReopenCASchools) February 18, 2021

Follow Annaliese Levy on Twitter @AnnalieseLevy

Rep. Patrick McHenry Announces Retirement, Adding to Congressional Exodus

Published

22 hours ago

December 5, 2023

Alexander Carter

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has declared that he will not seek re-election, becoming the latest in a growing list of lawmakers departing from Congress. McHenry, a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stated that he believes “there is a season for everything,” signaling the end of his tenure in the House. Having served since 2005, McHenry is the 37th member of Congress to announce they won’t seek re-election in 2024.

In a statement, McHenry reflected on the significance of the House of Representatives in the American political landscape, calling it the “center of our American republic.” He acknowledged the concerns about the future of the institution due to multiple departures but expressed confidence that new leaders would emerge and guide the House through its next phase.

The departure of McHenry and others comes against the backdrop of political shifts and challenges within the Republican Party. The GOP has faced setbacks in recent elections, including fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Internal strife and disagreements, exemplified by the rebellion against McCarthy, have characterized the party’s dynamics. The GOP’s approval rating stands at 30%, with a disapproval rating of 66%, reflecting the challenges and divisions within the party.

As McHenry steps aside, questions loom over the fate of open seats in the upcoming election. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report identifies five open House seats as potential Democrat pickup opportunities, while none are listed for the GOP. The departures raise concerns about the party’s unity and ability to navigate the evolving political landscape.

With a total of 20 departing Democratic legislators and 10 Republicans, the changing composition of Congress adds complexity to the political dynamics leading up to the 2024 elections. As McHenry emphasizes a hopeful view of the House’s future, the evolving political landscape will determine the impact of these departures on the balance of power in Congress.