FBI to Work With State, Local Agencies to Address Threats Made to School Boards, Teachers

Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed "a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence" against schools and employees on subjects such as mask mandates on Tuesday and plans to implement actions and investigations in the next 30 days, the Associated Press reported.

"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 said.

Garland said the FBI would begin working with federal, state, local, territorial and tribal authorities and hold strategy sessions to address the increasing threats that target teachers, school administrators, board members and other school officials.

Chip Slaven, National School Board Association (NSBA) interim executive director and CEO, said the Justice Department action is appreciated and well needed, as over 20 reports of threats, violence, harassment, and more were reported by the NSBA.

"Over the last few weeks, school board members and other education leaders have received death threats and have been subjected to threats and harassment, both online and in person," Slaven said. The department's action "is a strong message to individuals with violent intent who are focused on causing chaos, disrupting our public schools, and driving wedges between school boards and the parents, students, and communities they serve."