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Resident reads FOIA materials and accuses district training of promoting critical race theory and anti‑Semitic language
Summary
A Haslet resident read excerpts from FOIA-obtained materials and alleged the district's professional development includes materials that 'dismantle white supremacy' and contain anti‑Semitic language; the board did not take formal action on the claims during the meeting.
A Haslet resident raised allegations about the content of the district's professional-development materials during public comment at a special Board of Education meeting held for superintendent interviews.
Jeff Kesner told the board he had obtained what he said were more than 1,300 pages of district professional-development materials through a Freedom of Information Act request and read a series of excerpts he described as critical-race-theory language and other content he called racist or anti‑Semitic. He offered to share the materials with community members.
Kesner read multiple passages aloud and summarized his view that the district’s professional development contains language and curricula he said were inappropriate for Haslet students and staff. Among the excerpts he read were phrases about "dismantling racism in math instruction" and materials he characterized as arguing teachers should "self-reflect" in anti‑racist journeys.
The board did not open an evidentiary hearing or announce an investigation during the meeting. Board members later noted the district has an adopted DEI plan; during candidate questioning one candidate said the DEI work "seemed paused," and a board member corrected that impression, stating the plan "has been adopted and it is moving forward." The meeting record does not include any verification or response from district curriculum staff during the public-comment period.
What was said and what remains unverified: The public commenter offered to share his FOIA documents but did not file a formal complaint before the board during the meeting. The allegations are claims made by a member of the public and were not substantiated or refuted on the record at this meeting.
Why it matters: DEI and professional-development materials have become politically charged in many districts; public allegations can affect community trust and shape board priorities. The incoming superintendent — expected to be the subject of contract negotiations — will likely confront implementation, communication and budget decisions related to DEI and staff professional development.
Sources: Public comment at the Haslet Public Schools special meeting; candidate and board remarks about the district DEI plan during interviews.
