Attorney General Merrick Garland instructed the FBI to work with local law enforcement to address the sharp rise in violence and threats targeting local school boards and school officials attempting to deal with student and staff safety during the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Post reports.
“While spirited debate about policy matters is protected under our Constitution, that protection does not extend to threats of violence or efforts to intimidate individuals based on their views,” Garland wrote. “Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation’s core values. Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.”
Less than a week ago, the National School Boards Association sent a letter to President Biden entreating him to increase protections for school boards and their members who have been the targets of threats, intimidation and violence as they debate the need for things like vaccine and mask mandates in their schools.
Under Garland’s order, the FBI and local US Attorneys are instructed to meet with “federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders in each federal judicial district within 30 days” to develop plans to reduce the vitriol and violence that has developed recently.