Parents ask board to distance itself from Turning Point USA materials shared by member Adam Hain

MIDDLETOWN — Several parents asked the Board of Education to respond after a board member posted a link to downloadable educational materials distributed by Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that advocates for conservative viewpoints.

Emily Roback, a parent, told the board that Board member Adam Hain posted the link in a public parents’ Facebook group under his name with the label "Board of Education member" and promoted the materials as "fantastic educational resources." Roback cited the board’s code of ethics and Board policy 0050(a), saying a board member should not surrender independent judgment to partisan political groups and that the post could create the impression that the entire Board endorses the materials.

Roback asked the board to require Hain to delete the post and issue an apology, and she said she will file a complaint with the State of Connecticut. Colleen Sylvester, another parent, raised similar concerns and said the board should make a formal statement clarifying whether it endorses the materials, noting additional posts indicating support for a voucher program.

Board Chair Sheila Daniels acknowledged the comments and said the request would be discussed; administrators and board members noted that while a board member has First Amendment rights on personal social media, use of an official board identifier can create confusion about endorsement and that the board’s code of ethics requires impartiality.

Ending: The board did not take immediate action; parents said they will file a state complaint and asked the board to clarify its position on member social-media use and potential endorsements.