Author: Bob McCranie

I am so proud to run Texas Pride Realty Group. We set out on a mission in 2009 to serve the diverse communities of Texas and to hire kick-ass agents who practice the highest ethics and professionalism. I believe that the agent's role is to help the consumer make well-educated decisions, even if those decisions lead away from a purchase or sale. I believe that education is vital in this industry. I currently have over 1300 hours of real estate courses on my transcript with the State of Texas. Additionally, I am a Real Estate Business Coach at Tom Ferry International, the largest-real-estate specific coaching company in the world. I coach agents in the US and Canada, and have coached clients in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Switzerland. I also have knowledge of the UK and Irish markets. Opening Texas Pride Realty was always a goal of mine and I am working night and day to be sure it is successful. The best way to do that is to be sure clients are satisfied and agents are busy. What better legacy could someone leave in this industry than a group of well-trained, high-quality brokers who do your job better than you?

I Left a Red State and Moved to a Blue State. The Politics and Lack of Healthcare in Texas Drove Me Back to Oregon

This blog originally appeared at BUSSINESS INSIDER.

From Red to Blue: A Journey of Political Realization and Healthcare Struggles in Texas, Leading to a Return to Oregon

Jules Rogers relocated to Houston for employment but departed due to disagreements with the local political landscape, particularly concerning relaxed gun regulations and restrictive laws governing women’s healthcare decisions. Additionally, factors such as transportation expenses, adverse weather conditions, and complexities in the voting process further influenced her decision to leave.

Although I was born in Houston, I spent my formative years in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, I returned to Texas as an adult to take a job at a local newspaper. While Houston offered a lower cost of living and proximity to family, the reality didn’t quite match the nostalgic memories of visiting Grandma for Christmas. After encountering several eye-opening experiences that clashed with my envisioned quality of life, I made the decision to leave approximately two years later.

I became aware of an issue with a local school district that I couldn’t believe

A concerned parent contacted my newsroom to report that her child’s school district was segregating students learning English as a second language, placing them in a building across a major highway from the school.

Initially skeptical, I reached out to the school district for clarification and was dismayed to discover that the reports were indeed accurate. I found the situation deeply unjust. Although my paper published the story I wrote, it received limited readership.

This incident was just one of many experiences I encountered as a journalist in a predominantly conservative city. These stories, unlike my previous work in Oregon, challenged me to maintain objectivity and separate my personal convictions from my professional duties.

Gun laws were loosened

In September 2019, the state’s gun laws underwent revisions by the local legislature, which were perceived as regressive. HB 1143 granted licensed gun holders the authority to store firearms, handguns, and ammunition in locked cars within school-campus parking lots. Additionally, the legislation removed the prohibition of guns from large religious gathering areas such as churches and synagogues.

I hold the belief that increasing the presence of firearms does not contribute to safer environments in the face of shootings. Many other countries implement policies aimed at tightening gun regulations, suggesting opportunities for improvement in our approach to gun control.

The voting process was outdated


For the first time since I began casting my ballots by mail in Oregon, I voted in person. In Texas, voting by mail is restricted to those over 65, individuals who are ill or disabled, incarcerated, or meeting specific criteria.

Although my white-collar company provided a day off for voting, which was considered a perk, I realized that many shift workers likely did not enjoy this privilege. Standing in a physical line for hours, I was surprised to find that “materials,” including my newspaper with annotated campaign officials and bill details, were prohibited upon reaching the front of the room.

Contrasting my voting experience in Portland, where I have ample time to research each item before marking my ballot and receive text notifications at each processing step, the voting machines I encountered in Houston felt outdated, and I received no form of receipt.

I didn’t feel in control of my own body

During my time living in Texas, the state’s abortion restrictions were intensifying, culminating in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This mirrored Texas’ stringent approach to cannabis, in stark contrast to Oregon’s decriminalization policies, with many individuals fervently supporting abortion bans.

One Saturday evening in Texas, I attended a Right to Life dinner at the invitation of a City Council member, unaware of the atmosphere I would encounter. A talented teenage student delivered a meticulously rehearsed speech, painting a picture of aborted embryos or fetuses potentially becoming astronauts, presidents, or cancer-curing doctors. Despite her youth, I couldn’t help but wish for her to aspire to those achievements herself.

Every individual should have the autonomy to safeguard their body, boundaries, and home. Yet, in Texas, I felt vulnerable amidst the politicization surrounding my reproductive rights. The prospect of a pregnant woman in Texas being denied care for conditions as severe as sepsis unless her life is directly threatened, subjected to the judgment of a board, was daunting. These were odds I couldn’t reconcile with, even as someone not desiring children, ultimately contributing to my decision to leave Texas prior to the abortion ban implementation.

I knew when it was time for me to go

In addition to the political-environment mismatch, other reasons contributed to my move.

I lived in a suburb of Houston and traveled on highways daily. I didn’t like the high transportation costs, including toll roads and all the gas needed to make my commute.

The extreme weather, which included hurricanes, major lightning storms, hail, and smoggy air, was also not aligned with the quality of life I desired.

I loved the radio stations, the Tex-Mex, and the barbecue — and I was earning more money — but I knew when it was time to go. It’s more expensive, but I’m happier in Portland.

A Top Oklahoma Schools Official Is Under Fire for Ties to an Anti-Trans Influencer

This blog originally appeared at THEM.

Ron Causby was deemed ineligible for a position at Owasso Public Schools — the school district where Nex Benedict attends — due to advocating violence against transgender individuals.

Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has come under renewed scrutiny for his anti-transgender stance following the recent passing of Nex Benedict. A fresh report from Media Matters for America has linked Walters to a far-right podcaster who advocated violence against transgender youth.

According to the nonprofit media watchdog, Walters, known for his staunch anti-trans beliefs and advocacy for Christianity in educational settings, was elected in 2022 with considerable support from Ron “The Real Ron Ron” Causby, an Oklahoma podcaster and social media figure. Causby, who claims a close relationship with Walters, had actively supported Walters’ 2022 campaign, hosting various events including a meet-and-greet and a summer barbecue at his home. However, Media Matters discovered that Causby himself had faced rejection from positions as a school bus driver and substitute teacher due in part to his podcast’s violent rhetoric targeting transgender individuals.

Emails from January 2022, obtained by Media Matters and shared by Causby on his Facebook page, revealed that Causby was turned down for roles at Owasso Public Schools, the same district attended by Nex Benedict. This decision was influenced by Causby’s inflammatory anti-trans statements on social media and his podcast “Loud Mouths.” Causby had openly expressed on his podcast that he permitted his daughter to physically confront any transgender student using school facilities and insisted that transgender children should “legitimately” use restrooms, as highlighted in a speech to the Owasso school board.

In an internal email dated January 20, Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates expressed concerns about Causby potentially encountering a transgender student while serving as a substitute teacher. Despite this rejection, Causby’s event supporting Ryan Walters, organized by the right-wing group Tulsa Parents Voice, went ahead the following month.

Causby’s legal issues further compounded the controversy, with his arrest and subsequent charges of burglary and stalking against his ex-wife in August of the previous year. These charges were later dismissed.

Walters had previously faced criticism for his anti-trans remarks in light of Nex Benedict’s tragic passing, attributing Benedict’s death to a bullying incident in an Owasso High School bathroom. In response, Walters accused “the left” and unspecified media outlets of distorting facts to advance a political agenda, asserting his unwavering stance against perceived “woke mobs.”


Prior to the tragedy in Owasso, Walters faced criticism for appointing Chaya Raichik, a non-Oklahoma resident and founder of the controversial anti-trans propaganda network “Libs of TikTok,” to a state advisory committee on school libraries. Raichik has been linked to numerous schools across the U.S. experiencing bomb threats and death threats shortly after being featured on Libs of TikTok. Although she denies responsibility for any violence, Raichik has posted photos of herself on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly pleased by reports linking her to the threats. (Causby has dismissed such threats as “fake,” as noted by Media Matters.)

According to Oklahoma Representative Mauree Turner, the first openly nonbinary person to hold state office in the U.S., Walters and Raichik’s rhetoric endangers transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in multiple ways. Turner expressed this concern in an interview with MSNBC on Sunday, questioning why anyone would seek political office that exposes children to hate and bigotry.

https://www.them.us/story/ryan-walters-ron-causby-top-oklahoma-schools-official-under-fire-ties-anti-trans-influencer?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=them&utm_mailing=THEM_weekly_022824&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=647003a05dfaff5d630fbb31&cndid=74113754&hasha=90d5433b1347095329a6ab5df0bd392d&hashb=555b342b6918faf1a5515da1bc4cf5731fa62fa0&hashc=f4ee38a7ae4ef690cecccbdd27678ec522f6d3c6f45bef0cc5001fd7abe7557b&esrc=bouncex-test&utm_term=THEM_Daily

Ghana Intensifies Crackdown on Rights of LGBTQ People and Activists

This originally appeared at THE GUARDIAN.

Proposed new laws carry the risk of up to five years of imprisonment for individuals found guilty of deliberately endorsing, sponsoring, or backing LGBTQ+ initiatives.

Ghana’s parliament recently approved legislation that further restricts the rights of LGBTQ individuals and those advocating for non-conventional sexual or gender identities within the West African nation. This new law, passed on Wednesday, introduces the possibility of a maximum five-year prison sentence for individuals intentionally promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities. However, the bill awaits validation by the president before it can be enacted into law, a step that many observers believe may not occur until after the general election scheduled for December. Activist groups have strongly criticized the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, labeling it a setback for human rights, and have urged President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration to reject it.

The legislation garners widespread support in Ghana, particularly under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, who has firmly stated his opposition to gay marriage during his tenure. Often dubbed the anti-gay bill, this comprehensive legislation received backing from a coalition composed of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders, passing through parliament without opposition via a voice vote. While discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is prevalent, there have been no prosecutions under the colonial-era law to date.

Under the proposed bill, same-sex relations could result in imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, with harsher penalties extending to three to five years for advocates of LGBTQ rights. The United Nations rights chief, Volker Türk, denounced the bill, emphasizing that consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized and warning of the potential for hate crimes.

A human rights coalition known as the Big 18, comprising lawyers and activists in Ghana, has also condemned the bill, asserting that it violates the fundamental human rights of the LGBT community. Despite opposition, sponsor Sam George, an opposition lawmaker, urges President Akufo-Addo to endorse the bill, claiming it offers the most comprehensive approach to addressing LGBTQ issues.

Members of Ghana’s LGBTQ community express deep concerns about the bill’s ramifications. Alex Kofi Donkor, founder of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, believes its passing would exacerbate marginalization and endanger individuals in the LGBTQ community, fostering an environment of fear and persecution.

Globally, about 30 African countries currently outlaw homosexuality, with punishments ranging from harsh imprisonment to the death penalty in countries like Uganda, Mauritania, and certain Nigerian states. South Africa stands as the sole nation on the continent permitting gay marriage, while a handful of countries have decriminalized gay sex, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA).

Texas Governor Responds to LGBTQ Human Rights Criticisms: ‘The UN can go pound sand’

Texas Governor Pushes Back on LGBTQ Human Rights Criticisms: Defiant Stance Against UN: “They Can Go Pound Sand”

Texas governor responds to LGBTQ human rights criticisms: ‘The UN can go pound sand’

Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) rebuffed recent criticisms aimed at new state laws targeting LGBTQ individuals, dismissing claims that such measures contravene federal and international human rights standards.

Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) shrugged off recent criticisms surrounding new state laws targeting LGBTQ individuals, while also dismissing claims that such measures run counter to federal and international human rights standards.

In response to a letter dispatched last month to the United Nations, accusing the governor and other state officials of encroaching upon the rights of LGBTQ Texans through administrative and legislative channels, Abbott bluntly urged the international nonprofit to refrain from involvement.

“The UN can go pound sand,” Abbott retorted on Sunday via X, formerly known as Twitter, echoing a similar sentiment expressed in 2021 when he responded in kind after U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres suggested that Texas would need to reduce reliance on oil and gas to ensure prosperity beyond 2050.

In January, four LGBTQ rights groups united in a joint letter of allegation addressed to over a dozen independent experts, working groups, and special rapporteurs at the U.N., asserting that Texas leaders deliberately singled out the LGBTQ community during the state’s recent legislative session.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Texas lawmakers in 2023 introduced no less than 55 bills aimed at LGBTQ individuals, constituting approximately 10 percent of similar legislation filed nationwide last year.

The focal point of the groups’ plea to the U.N. centers on seven bills signed into law by Abbott in 2023, including measures banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors and significantly restricting transgender athletes’ participation in school sports.

In their letter, signed by Equality Texas, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and the ACLU of Texas, the organizations argued, “Taken individually, the seven pieces of legislation discussed in this submission will disrupt the lives of LGBTQIA+ people of various ages and backgrounds. Put together, the Bills are a systemic attack on the fundamental rights, dignities, and identities of LGBTQIA+ persons that opens the gates for discrimination by both public and private actors.”

Additionally, the letter criticized actions by Texas officials preceding last year’s legislative session, citing State Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2022 opinion equating gender-affirming medical care with child abuse and a subsequent directive from Abbott instructing state agencies to investigate parents of transgender minors for child abuse.

The letter, co-signed by The University of Texas at Austin School of Law’s Human Rights Clinic, implored the U.N. to advocate for the repeal of these bills and urged both state and federal governments to enact stronger nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals.

Furthermore, the letter censured the Biden administration’s response to anti-LGBTQ laws passed in Texas and elsewhere, accusing the federal government of failing to hold states accountable, thereby violating a decades-old U.N. treaty.

The U.N. has previously expressed concerns over anti-LGBTQ legislation in the U.S., with a committee stating in December that it was “concerned at the increase in the number of state laws that severely restrict the rights of persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

More Than Half of Gen Z Want To Move Out Of The United States For This Sad Reason

It comes as little surprise, particularly when considering the demographic often referred to as the ‘school shooting generation,’ a group of young individuals deeply affected by the prevalence of such tragedies.

A considerable number of Americans tend to remain within the borders of the United States, their travels often limited to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls or indulgent trips to savor pasta in Italy for a brief vacation. Moreover, many opt to stay rooted in their hometowns, as evidenced by a striking 72% of individuals over 25 years old still residing in or near their birthplace, as per a 2019 survey.

However, there appears to be a shifting trend, particularly among Generation Z, indicating a willingness to venture beyond American shores. A recent survey conducted by Preply, a platform facilitating language learning through tutor connections, sought the opinions of 3,000 Gen Z Americans regarding their inclination towards expatriation. When asked to rate their likelihood of residing outside the U.S. on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very strongly), the average response was 3.1, signaling a leaning towards international relocation.

Among the primary motivations cited by respondents for considering a move abroad, the appeal of better social programs such as universal healthcare stood out significantly, with 25.6% highlighting this aspect. This sentiment is understandable, given the weight of medical debt burdening many Americans. Additionally, the allure of new cultural experiences (18.9%), the cost of living (18%), and dissatisfaction with American political dynamics (17.7%) contributed to the attractiveness of foreign locales. Notably, one issue deeply intertwined with American politics—gun violence—did not escape the attention of Gen Z. A majority of respondents, accounting for 59%, identified it as a “major” factor influencing their desire to seek residence outside the U.S.

It’s a pragmatic perspective that underscores the significant impact of gun violence on Gen Z, who have been raised amidst school shooting drills and a constant awareness of the looming threat of violence—be it in classrooms, movie theaters, or concert venues. This reality has earned them the moniker of the “school shooting generation.” Unlike any previous generation, they have borne the brunt of numerous tragic mass shootings, whether as direct witnesses or through the pervasive influence of these events on their lives. Unfortunately, the problem persists unabated. In 2023 alone, there were more mass shootings than days, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. Notably, much of the activism surrounding this issue emanates from Gen Z, exemplified by movements like March for Our Lives, which was initiated by survivors of school shootings.

While the United States grapples with several pressing and disquieting challenges, particularly of a financial nature, for Gen Z, the survey indicates that gun violence emerges as the most urgent concern. It’s a matter of life and death, underscored by stark statistics revealing that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for young Americans, surpassing even cancer, car accidents, homicide, and suicide.

Given this sobering reality, the notion of seeking refuge elsewhere might not be as extreme as it initially appears. For Gen Z, the desire for a life free from the omnipresent threat of gun violence could very well be the driving force behind such considerations.

The Super Bowl’s advertisements centered around Jesus have underlying anti-LGBTQ+ origins that are concerning.

This blog originally appeared at THEM.

The “He Gets Us” campaign is linked to the Alliance Defending Freedom, identified as an extremist right-wing organization.


If you were among those who noticed “foot washing” trending and initially thought it was related to a foot fetish, only to encounter a Jesus-themed Super Bowl commercial, you’re not alone. However, the context surrounding last night’s advertisement, promoting the Christian non-profit Come Near’s “He Gets Us” campaign, is troubling due to the organization’s extensively documented connections to anti-LGBTQ+ agendas.

For the second consecutive year, He Gets Us has aired a sequence of commercials during the Super Bowl. The initial 2024 advertisement, titled “Foot Washing,” depicted a series of images featuring individuals washing others’ feet. Among these images were scenes showing two women amid tense protestors holding signs with ambiguous messages like “Shut Him Up” and “Silence Hate,” a woman holding a “Clean Air Now” sign near an oil rig, and two women outside a “family planning clinic.”

The advertisement concludes with the slogan: “Jesus didn’t preach hate. He washed feet.”

“He Gets Us'” second 2024 Super Bowl commercial, titled “Know Your Neighbor,” once more presented static images of diverse individuals, seemingly prompting viewers to exhibit compassion towards those around them, echoing Jesus’ renowned exhortation to “love thy neighbor.”

The text in the ad poses the question, “Who is your neighbor?” followed by, “The one you fail to notice/value/welcome.”

At first glance, these commercials appear to suggest a more progressive, socially conscious interpretation of Christianity (an earlier ad displays images of actual refugees confronting persecution alongside the slogan “Jesus was a refugee”). Indeed, it would be commendable if He Gets Us aimed to promote the genuine values of Jesus, a Jewish individual born in Palestine who dined with sex workers and denounced a capitalist establishment focused more on profit than adhering to their religious principles (a scenario that resonates today).

Even the “He Gets Us” website explicitly states: “Jesus loves gay people and Jesus loves trans people. The LGBTQ+ community, like everyone else, is welcomed to delve into the narrative of Jesus.”

Regrettably, the branding of the “He Gets Us” campaign obscures its roots in anti-LGBTQ+ movements. Although currently overseen by Come Near, the campaign originated from another Christian nonprofit, the Servant Foundation/The Signatry. According to openDemocracy, this foundation contributed $65.9 million to the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) between 2018 and 2021. It’s noteworthy that these donations persisted even after the Southern Poverty Law Center designated the ADF as a hate group in 2016 due to its endorsement of various anti-LGBTQ legislation, such as laws criminalizing homosexuality and mandating the forced sterilization of transgender Europeans.

Although USA Today indicates that the Servant Foundation no longer oversees “He Gets Us,” it is reportedly still associated with billionaire Hobby Lobby co-founder David Green. Rolling Stone reports that Green is a significant donor to the campaign, with his son, Mart Green, serving as a board member of Come Near. Hobby Lobby has a well-documented history of controversies surrounding LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. This includes sending a letter to the White House in 2014 seeking exemption from laws prohibiting LGBTQ+ discrimination and engaging in a lengthy legal battle in Illinois after denying a transgender employee access to the women’s restroom in 2010, which they ultimately lost.

In a June 2023 episode of The Lifestyle Investor podcast, Green articulated that the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl advertisements aimed to reshape the public perception of Christianity.

Green stated, “As Christians, we’re often perceived as being hateful. However, that’s not who we are. We are individuals who possess the greatest love story ever written, and it’s essential that we share that love story. Our concept is simple: let’s narrate the story. As Christians, our mandate is to love everyone. Jesus exemplified this love for all.”

While Jesus may love everyone, the “He Gets Us” commercials during the Super Bowl serve as a crucial reminder: billionaires and bigots don’t possess a miraculous solution for the problems facing the United States, and their capacity to spend millions on ethically questionable advertisements certainly doesn’t reflect positively on their character.

This municipality recently designated itself as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The regulation safeguards rights to gender-affirming care and asserts that LGBTQ+ identity is not a disorder or illness.


In a 6-1 vote this past Monday, the Columbia, Missouri City Council officially designated the city as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals. The council meeting was well-attended, with numerous supporters backing the initiative.

Councilmember Roy Lovelady remarked, “We received input from every district in Columbia.”

The ordinance asserts Columbia as a supportive environment for individuals advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. It deems the enforcement of a 2023 state law prohibiting gender-affirming care as the least prioritized for law enforcement within the city. Furthermore, it outlines protocols for collaborating with other jurisdictions attempting to prosecute individuals seeking or facilitating gender-affirming care.

“The City Council asserts that LGBTQ identity is not a disorder, ailment, sickness, deficiency, or inadequacy, and pledges to seek methods to enhance societal outcomes for LGBTQ residents of Columbia,” states the ordinance.

City councilmember Nick Knoth expressed, “It’s regrettable that we must even contemplate this.”

“The LGBTQ+ community is already a minority group in the United States, so having our voices acknowledged, that sense of recognition and safety, is profoundly significant,” emphasized NClusion+ co-founder Anthony Plogger. “It’s absolutely essential.”

According to ABC 17, numerous transgender students from the University of Missouri shared accounts of being bullied and expressed that the ordinance would provide them with a greater sense of security.

“At a meeting, a transgender man recounted the incident of Noah Ruiz, a young transgender man from Camden, Ohio, who was assaulted by three cisgender men in July 2022 after using a women’s restroom,” the transgender individual stated. “Despite explaining to them that he was instructed by the facility owner to use the women’s restroom due to his assigned female gender at birth, his attackers did not relent. Instead, they hurled homophobic slurs at him while assaulting him.”

Councilmember Don Waterman cast the sole dissenting vote against the ordinance. While he expressed agreement with its objectives, he voiced skepticism regarding its effectiveness in mitigating bullying or hate crimes within the city.

“I don’t perceive a necessity for this ordinance,” he stated.

Opponents of the ordinance argued that it would infringe upon their freedom to express their religious beliefs.

Parents upset after Keller ISD trustees brought an Evangelist film crew into schools and filmed students

This originally appeared at NBCDFW.

The involvement of school board trustees in apologizing suggests a recognition of responsibility for the incident involving Evangelische Omroep (EO) filming students. Their apologies likely aim to address any concerns or distress caused by the filming and to reassure the community that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The apologies may also reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the situation.

Click here to watch video: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/parents-upset-keller-isd-trustees-evangelist-film-crew-february16/287-674d69f1-3dc1-40db-a806-f5761dfadae4?s=09

The gathering of parents near Keller ISD’s Central High School likely signifies a unified response to a specific issue or concern within the school district. Their anger and frustration suggest that they feel strongly about the matter and are seeking to voice their discontent publicly. This kind of collective action often serves as a way for community members to express their grievances and advocate for change within educational institutions.

“I’m livid,” said Laney Hawes, a parent whose child attends Central HS. “Our rights and our kids rights have been violated.”

The district’s confirmation of events on February 9 likely brought to light an incident or situation that has caused significant distress among the parents. The specificity of the date suggests that something notable occurred on that day, prompting the parents’ reaction.

The involvement of school board trustees in bringing an Evangelical-based film crew into the high school without obtaining consent from students and parents is likely the source of the anger and frustration expressed by the group of parents near Keller ISD’s Central High School. This breach of privacy and potential violation of consent rights could have serious implications for the trustees involved and has understandably elicited strong reactions from the community.


It seems there might be some confusion. Evangelische Omroep (EO) is indeed a Netherlands-based Evangelical broadcast television network, but there is no known documentary titled “God, Jesus, Trump” produced by EO. It’s possible that another production company or network created such a documentary. However, it’s essential to verify the accuracy of the information before drawing conclusions about the involvement of EO or any other organization in specific documentary productions.

“We don’t want politics in our kids schools,” Hawes said. “If kids wanna bring God into schools, beautiful, but it cannot be the administration. There is a separation of church and state.”

Thank you for providing additional context. Elliot Mullaney’s eyewitness account sheds light on the situation at Central High School.

“It’s an invasion of privacy,” said Mullaney. “I think that it’ll be used to spread hate and spread untrue opinions.”

It’s crucial to address such incidents transparently and responsibly, especially given the concerns raised by parents and students.

alker apologized in a post, saying: “I recently participated in a foreign documentary focused on public schools in Texas. Some filming took place while students were present. I take safety and privacy of our students seriously. I apologize for allowing students to be captured on film.”

Young, who said he “briefly assisted my colleague in an interview about Texas public schools,” said in a Facebook post: “I regret if any students were captured on film. My understanding is the District has been assured by the crew that no student will appear in the footage. The safety and privacy of our students is of utmost importance to me.”


Parents rightfully expect accountability from school officials, particularly when their actions compromise student privacy and well-being.

The absence of the principal on the day of the incident underscores the need for clear protocols and supervision to ensure that such breaches of student privacy do not occur in the future.

“If they’re bypassing certain rules, it’s time that they need to resign,” Mullaney said.

Friday evening, Keller ISD Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson sent a letter to Central HS parents. In the letter, Johnson confirmed that a production company from the Netherlands visited the campus to film an interview with trustees Walker and Young. Johnson confirmed the crew toured the school and talked to some students and employees.

According to Johnson, “the district and the board were not aware of the scheduled interview.”

Despite district officials’ saying they weren’t aware of the scheduled interview, the film crew said in a statement to WFAA that it “obtained permission to record at the school in advance.”

“The Evangelical Broadcasting, a channel that broadcasts on National Television in the Netherlands, has recorded at Central High School, part of Keller ISD, for a program called ‘God, Jesus, Trump!’. This program is a neutral journalistic program that examines Christian culture in the USA,” the statement from the film crew read. “The film crew obtained permission to record at the school in advance. The film crew went through all standard registration and administration procedures upon entering the building, and the crew was warmly welcomed by the staff that day. As stated prior, all children will be unrecognizable, and all ethical and journalistic guidelines were applied during the recording and will be applied in the process of making this program.”

Johnson’s letter said the matter is under review and that the district is “taking proactive steps to safeguard the privacy and security of our students. KISD administrators have been in contact with the film company who have assured us that no students or teachers would be visible in the video they are producing.”

Hawes said she spoke about the incident with the school’s principal, Liz Russo.

“Russo apologized. She let me know that policies were broken and this wasn’t done with permission, and it would’ve never been allowed,” Hawes said.


It’s concerning that the school board members and the principal did not respond to inquiries about the incident. Transparency and accountability are essential in addressing such breaches of protocol and maintaining trust within the school community.

It’s distressing to hear that a parent’s request for privacy was seemingly disregarded by the district, especially considering the circumstances they described. Respecting the privacy and safety of students should be a top priority for schools, and any failure to uphold such requests erodes trust and can have serious consequences for individuals’ well-being.

“It’s sickening, the parent said. “It’s very concerning. Now she’s being exposed. “It’s already tough enough trying to make sure our kids are safe, and if you can’t trust the people in the school building are gonna keep your kids safe, who can?”


It’s understandable that parents would demand accountability from the trustees involved and seek to address the situation through official channels such as filing grievances with the district. Trust in school leadership is crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment, and actions that undermine this trust must be addressed promptly and transparently.

Oklahoma Republicans introduce bill to ban Pride celebrations

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ NATION.

The introduction of such a bill targeting Pride Month celebrations by Oklahoma Republicans reflects ongoing efforts to curtail LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in the state. It raises concerns about discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from public recognition and acknowledgment of their identities and contributions to society.

The introduction of HB 3217, dubbed the “Patriotism Not Pride Act,” by Oklahoma Republicans is a significant move aimed at barring state agencies from recognizing or promoting LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This bill seeks to prevent the use of state funds for any activities or events related to Pride Month and prohibits the display of LGBTQ+ Pride flags on state grounds or property. It reflects a broader trend of legislative efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, raising concerns about discrimination and erasure of LGBTQ+ communities’ identities and experiences.

It also declares a state of emergency “by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force” immediately after its passage and approval.


The introduction of bills similar to HB 3217 in Texas and Tennessee, which seek to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in schools, underscores a broader trend of legislative efforts targeting LGBTQ+ visibility and rights across multiple states. These bills represent a concerted push by conservative lawmakers to suppress expressions of LGBTQ+ identity and pride within educational institutions. Such initiatives have raised concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates about the potential for discrimination and erasure of LGBTQ+ students’ experiences and identities in school environments.

West told NBC News that he authored the bill “because Oklahoma taxpayer dollars should not be used to promote or recognize activities that are not in line with the values of most Oklahomans.”

The LGBTQ+ community, he said, “would still have the freedom to express their views or opinions or tell the world about their lifestyle choices, they would simply not be able to use state resources to do so.”

Freedom Oklahoma executive director Nicole McAfee said the bill was “clearly designed to chill speech, and further disrupt the ability of Oklahoma agencies to serve” the state’s LGBTQ+ community.

“We’re everywhere — small towns, big cities, on tribal land, and everywhere in between,” McAfee said. “We make up communities, and even work for the state. You can’t ban us or disappear us, and it’s a shame that Rep. Kevin West is continuing his obsessive focus on targeting and isolating 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans with [this] latest attack. And yet, we’ve always been here and will always be here, during pride and beyond.”

The significant number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in Oklahoma, including HB 3217, reflects a concerning trend of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in the state. With nearly 400 similar bills introduced nationwide in 2024, Oklahoma’s Republican lawmakers stand out for their aggressive pursuit of anti-LGBTQ+ measures. This flurry of legislation underscores the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights and protections at both the state and national levels, with advocates and activists mobilizing to oppose discriminatory laws and uphold equality and inclusion for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Far-right House Republicans Demand Mike Johnson Keep Anti-LGBTQ+ Provisions in Spending Bills

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ NATION.

They aim to prohibit transgender children from participating in sports and prevent Joe Biden from eliminating your gas stove.

The House Freedom Caucus, representing the far-right, directed a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), insisting on the retention of their conservative riders in the yet-to-be-passed significant spending bills for 2024 by Congress. Among their stipulations are various anti-LGBTQ+ measures.

House Republicans have appended anti-LGBTQ+ provisions to numerous prominent spending bills in Congress. These measures encompass actions such as abolishing LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protocols at federal agencies or mandating the cessation of Pride content on social media platforms by the Federal Aviation Authority. As these amendments pertain not to fiscal expenditure but were nevertheless affixed to appropriations bills, they are referred to as riders.

Instead of approving bills to finance the federal government, moderate Republicans aligned with Democrats in endorsing continuing resolutions to maintain federal funding until March, thereby averting a government shutdown. As the deadline looms, the House Freedom Caucus expresses concern that their riders might be stripped from the appropriations bills to secure passage through the Democratic-controlled Senate.

In their letter, the Freedom Caucus voices apprehension about the imminent expiration of government funding and ongoing closed-door negotiations. They anticipate the last-minute release of text for potential omnibus legislation, which they fear will be hastily brought to the floor for a vote. The caucus asserts that House Republicans should be kept informed about spending levels and the status of contentious policy provisions.

Included in the letter is a catalog of riders deemed essential by the House Freedom Caucus. These encompass endeavors to cease taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries or “gender affirming care,” halt funding for perceived radical “Diversity, Equality, Inclusion” (DEI) Executive Orders and related bureaucratic offices promoting DEI and “Critical Race Theory” training and policies, and prohibit regulations mandating biological boys’ inclusion in girls’ sports competitions, as well as federal funding for schools permitting biological men to participate in women-only sports.

Among the non-LGBTQ+ demands made by the Freedom Caucus are endeavors to counter “Biden’s absurd and destructive bans on gas stoves and other appliances” (clarification: Biden never banned gas stoves), obstruct “Biden’s attempts to dismantle, demolish, remove, or damage existing border wall” (Biden is expanding the wall), and bar “funding for COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates across the government.”

“The letter emphasizes that there are numerous other policies and personnel that Congress should refrain from funding. Failure to address these concerns will diminish the likelihood of garnering support for the appropriations bills, even from a majority of Republicans.”

One of the 2024 appropriations bills that has successfully passed is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), responsible for funding the military. To reconcile the bill with the Senate version, most of the anti-LGBTQ+ riders were omitted, sparking outrage among many House Republicans. Despite this, it managed to pass with 73 Republicans voting against it in the House, receiving significant support from House Democrats.

The House Freedom Caucus is exerting pressure from the right on Johnson to prevent a recurrence of a similar outcome for other appropriations bills. However, this move might inadvertently incentivize Johnson to collaborate more closely with Democrats to ensure the bills are passed and avoid a government shutdown.

Congress has already enacted three continuing resolutions to extend the deadline for passing these funding bills. According to The Hill, there are already discussions among some House members regarding the possibility of another continuing resolution.

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/02/far-right-house-republicans-demand-mike-johnson-keep-anti-lgbtq-provisions-in-spending-bills/?utm_id=top_story&utm_term=headline&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2024222%20LGBTQ%20Nation%20Daily%20Brief&utm_content=2024222%20LGBTQ%20Nation%20Daily%20Brief+CID_3d7bbd53c1903153658efd8a69506b62&utm_source=LGBTQ%20Nation%20Subscribers&utm_term=Far-right%20House%20Republicans%20demand%20Mike%20Johnson%20keep%20anti-LGBTQ%20provisions%20in%20spending%20bills

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