House Representative Harold Dutton Jr. stands behind the state takeover of the district. Can he survive another reelection after its fallout?
Despite public outcry, Texas House Representative Harold Dutton Jr. isn’t sorry he opened the door to the state takeover of the Houston Independent School District. In fact, he’s proud of it.
Since 2015, Dutton’s legislative efforts have paved the way to bolster the state’s power to take over local school districts. That year, Dutton authored HB 1842, allowing the state education agency to take over a school district if a single school in the district did not meet state accountability standards for five consecutive years.
“I’m really uncomfortable with Black folks being used as an excuse in that way. We’re not a monolith. Black trans people do exist. And as a good Democrat, there is always an opportunity to educate your community, your constituents and explain why this is not the right way,” said Lauren Ashley Simmons who said she decided to run against Thierry after feeling let down by her representative.