National school board group seeks federal help with threats against public school officials

Washington — A national organization representing school board officials from around the country is appealing to President Biden for assistance from federal law enforcement to address a growing number of violent threats and intimidation against public school officials over COVID-19 restrictions and critical race theory.

The leaders of the National School Boards Association, which represents more than 90,000 school board members, told Mr. Biden in a letter Wednesday that U.S. public schools and its leaders "are under an immediate threat" that requires the attention of law enforcement across all levels of government.

"While local and state law enforcement agencies are working with public school officials in several communities to prevent further disruptions to educational services and school district operations, law enforcement officials in some jurisdictions need assistance — including help with monitoring the threat levels," Viola Garcia, the group's president, and Chip Slaven, its interim executive director and CEO, told Mr. Biden.