WASHINGTON — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim. Jordan, R-Ohio, issued subpoenas Friday to the heads of the Justice. Department, FBI and Department of Education. Seeking documents related to local school board meetings.
The subpoenas — which Jordan noted are the first he’s sent to the Biden. Administration as chairman — must Attorney General Merrick Garland. FBI Director Christopher Wray and Education Secretary Miguel. Cardona to turn over all documents on the matter by March 1.
“Since October 2021, Judiciary Committee Republicans have sent more.
Than one hundred letters to Biden administration officials requesting. Answers about how the administration has used federal counterterrorism. Resources against American parents,” Jordan’s office said Friday.
Jordan, who also chairs a new subcommittee. On the “weaponization of the federal government.” Said whistleblowers claimed the FBI’s counterterrorism. And criminal division “created a specific threat tag for school board-related threats. And even opened investigations against parents for speaking out.” did. for their children.” Republicans outlined those claims in a November. Report House on the “politicization” of the DOJ and FBI.
School board meetings across the country have become intense. And violent in recent years, especially since the start of the Covid. Pandemic In October, a man was recorded on video saying LGBTQ people. “Deserve to die” during a school board meeting in Arkansas. Where several anti-LGBTQ policies were passed. In January 2022, a Virginia woman was charged. After she appeared to threaten school board officials as they met to vote on lifting a mask rule.
Garland formed a task force to address the increased threat in October 2021.
Saying in a memo that “there has been a disturbing spike in harassment. Intimidation and threats of violence against school administrators. Board members, teachers and staff who take part in the essential work. Of running our nation’s public schools.”
The subpoena sent to Garland requests documents. And communications, for example. Between DOJ employees and U.S. intelligence agencies. “Referring to or related to alleged. Threats made by concerned parents at local House school board meetings.” It also called on him to provide records related to the DOJ’s creation of a task force to address. Violent threats against school officials and teachers.
Wray’s subpoena asks for documents related. To meetings held with the U.S. Attorney’s Office related to the task force. And requests documents and communications related to the threat tag.
Cardona was asked to provide documents.
Related to a letter sent by the National School Boards. Association in September 2021 to President Joe Biden. Requesting help in keeping school board meetings safe.
“As hatred, violence and threats against public school officials have increased. The classification of these heinous acts may amount. To domestic terrorism and hate crimes,” the letter said.
An FBI spokesman responded to Jordan’s subpoena House Friday afternoon. Saying in a statement: “As Director Way. And other FBI officials have made clear on many occasions. Before Congress and elsewhere. The FBI has never been in the business. Of investigating school speech or policing speech. Board meetings or anywhere else, and we never will be.”
“We are committed to preserving and protecting First. Amendment rights, including the right to free speech. Efforts to advance any political narrative will not change those facts.” The spokesperson said, adding that the FBI is “working. To respond to Congressional requests. Information – including the voluntary production of documents.” .”
The Justice Department acknowledged.
Receipt of the subpoena but had no further comment.
An Education Department spokeswoman said in a statement. That the department “responded to Chairman Jordan’s letter. Earlier this week” before issuing the subpoena. And that it is “committed to responding to the House Judiciary. Committee’s request consistent with long.-Standing executive branch policy.”
Stacey Plaskett, a non-voting representative of the US Virgin Islands. House of Representatives who serves as the top Democrat on Jordan’s armaments panel. Trashed Jordan and Republicans in a statement Friday in response to the subpoenas.
There are no documents that will satisfy MAGA’s obsession with conspiracy,” he said.
