“I don’t believe it’s reasonable to read this memorandum as chilling anyone’s rights about the threats of violence and it expressly recognizes the constitutional right to make arguments about your children’s education.” “I wanted the memorandum to assure people that we recognize the rights of spirited debate,” Garland said. But he said threats are rising against school boards, election officials and members of Congress. Garland said vigorous debate is protected. “Did you consider the chilling effect that this sort of threat of federal prosecution would have on parents’ exercise of their constitutional rights to be involved in their children’s education?” Cornyn said. John Cornyn, R-Texas, asked whether someone threatening to punch someone in the nose was a federal offense and Garland said it wasn’t. "You are literally saying as the leader of the highest law enforcement organization in the land, that you protect spirited debate." "It is true," Booker said of rising violence. Cory Booker, D-N.J., cited reports of violent incidents against school officials in several states. “Free speech does not involve threats and violence." “Those who argue that school board meetings across America are not more dangerous and more violent than in the past are ignoring reality," Durbin said. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said Wednesday lawmakers complaining about Garland's memo are “really inconsistent with reality.” He cited news reports of several incidents of violence at board meetings. "We did not sic the FBI on parents," Garland added at another point.Ĭommittee chairman, Sen. “The only thing we are concerned about is violence and threats of violence against school officials, school teachers, school staff,” Garland said. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., called for Garland's resignation because of the memo.īut Garland said he only directed federal authorities to consult and offer assistance to local officials – if necessary – about violence, threats of violence and other criminal conduct. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said he is glad Garland was never confirmed to the Supreme Court after being nominated by former President Barack Obama. “This kind of looks like something that would come out of a communist country.” “That is a poisonous, chilling effect,” Grassley said. Grassley said the memo would target parents expressing concerns about curriculum on critical race theory or about mask mandates under the First Amendment.
Charles Grassley of Iowa, said Garland politicized the department and urged him to revoke the Oct. The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick Garland defended his memo about assisting local school officials against violence and threats of violence, as Senate Republicans blasted the memo as "shameful" and "intimidating," and one called for his resignation.
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