CONTACT: For press inquiries, to set up interviews or to sign up for e-mail press releases, please e-mail TFN Communications Director Imelda Mejia or call 512-322-0545.
2023 Press Releases
2022 Press Releases
TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION FAILS ON SOCIAL STUDIES BUT VOTES TO OPPOSE PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Statement: Judge Rules Harris County Polling Locations Stay Open Until 8 PM
Texas Board of Education Fails to Update Standards From A Dozen Years Ago During Special Meeting
Campaign of Falsehoods and Misinformation Helps Derail Texas Social Studies Overhaul
Democracy From the Ground up Announces Launch of 2022 Campaign
ADVOCATES CALL ON TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO TEACH THE TRUTH, NOT POLITICAL AGENDAS
Just Texas Proclaims All People Are Worthy and Beloved This National Day of Prayer
TFN Launches Multi-Group Campaign Focused on Need to Teach the Truth in Schools
Community Members and Groups Mark Anniversary of Winter Storm Uri with Calls to Shut Down Coal Plant
TFN Statement on Gov. Abbott’s Hypocritical ‘Parental Bill of Rights’
Endorsement: TFN Backs Candis Houston in HD 142 Democratic Primary
TFN President Calls for Removal of Conspiracy Theorist From Key Texas Curriculum Panel
Texas Freedom Network Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe Ruling
2021 Press Releases
Texas State Board of Education Puts Politics Ahead of Science Education Again
Politics Trumps Health and Education in Texas Textbook Adoption
Texas Rising Action Releases Statement on Failure of Prop. A
Faith Leaders Host Healing Space for Trans Community at the Texas State Capitol
Statement: With Texans’ Freedom At Stake, U.S. House Passes the Women’s Health Protection Act
TFN Statement: Texas Lawmakers Plan Yet Another Attack on Trans Kids in Third Special Session
Texas Advocates and Health Care Providers Condemn Six-week Abortion Ban
Texas Freedom Network Statement on the Final Passage of Anti-Voter Senate Bill 1
SBOE Must Teach Texas Students the Truth on Sex Ed, Climate Change
Gov. Abbott & Texas House Pass SB 1 in Tyrannical, Anti-Democratic Power Grab 
TFN Urges Representatives to Continue Fight for Democracy as House Obtains Quorum
Texas for All Coalition Unveils Massive Six-Figure Investment in Statewide Field Organizing Program
Texas Freedom Network Responds to Breaking of Quorum in Legislature
Texas Freedom Network Statement on the Defeat of Senate Bill 7
Texas Freedom Network, Faith Leaders Reject Texas Lawmakers’ Draconian Assault on Abortion Rights
Activists Move to Stop Anti-Transgender Bills in Texas Legislature
TFN President Warns Against New Wave of Discriminatory Religious Exemptions Bills
TFN, Clergy Call Out Cruel Texas Legislative Assault on Transgender Youth and Their Families
Statewide Youth Organizing Group Gathers for First-Ever Advocacy Week
Texas House Committee Advances Sweeping Voter Suppression Bill Targeting Texans of Color
Republican Legislators Race Ahead on Voter Suppression Effort in Texas
With SB29, Dan Patrick’s Senate Is Pushing Discrimination Yet Again
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Opening of the 87th Legislature
2020 Press Releases
Texas SBOE Fails Students on LGBTQ-Inclusion, Climate Change
Extensive Texas Rising Action GOTV Efforts Focus Heavily on Young Voters of Color
National Report Card: Texas Among the States Failing Students on Climate Change
Texas State Board of Education Rejects Teaching Students About Respect for LGBT People
Kathy Miller to Step Down After 16 Years as Texas Freedom Network President
Texas Rising Launches Big Campaign to Turn Out Progressive Young Voters
Lani Popp’s Victory in GOP Runoff for Texas SBOE Seat Isn’t a Win for Texas Kids
Public Hearing: It’s Time to Teach the Truth on Sex Education in Texas
Texas Rising Leaders Express Relief over Supreme Court’s DACA Ruling
Approval of African American Studies Course Is a Big Step Forward for Texas
TFN President: Ken Paxton Cynically Embraces Guns While Barring Essential Health Care
Court Order Blocking Dallas Paid Sick Ordinance Is Especially Appalling During a Pandemic
Happy Birthday: TFN Marks 25 years as a Progressive Champion in Texas
2019 Press Releases
It’s Time for African American Studies in Texas Public Schools
Heidi Group Scam Highlights the Dangers of Playing Politics with Women’s Health Care
Joint Press Release: Faith Leaders in McAllen: ‘Bless this Clinic’
TFN Statement on Rep. Krause’s Call for a Special Session that Includes Anti-Abortion Legislation
Texas Health Curriculum Standards Overhaul Veers Off Course Out of the Gate
Texas House Vote for SB1978: Lawmakers Are Trying to Score Anti-LGBTQ Political Points
Lt. Gov. Patrick Rams Discrimination Bill Through Senate Committee
Senate-Passed Bill Would Force Texas Women to Carry Nonviable Pregnancy to Term
Senate Bill 9 Is An Attempt to Intimidate Voters, Keep Turnout Low in Texas
Setting the Record Straight on Chairman Leach’s Anti-abortion Extremism
New Polling: Majority of Texans Oppose Discrimination Against LGBT People
Lt. Gov. Patrick Is Turning Another Legislative Session into a Fight Over Discrimination
TFN President Condemns Texas Attorney General’s Request for Federal Discrimination Exemption
From Bad to Worse: SB15 Hurts Working Families, Opens Door to Discrimination against LGBT Workers
TFN President Praises Austin School District Vote for Evidence-Based, Inclusive Sex Education
Faith Leaders to Texas Lawmakers: Religious Freedom isn’t a License to Discriminate
#TakeItDown: State Board Must Remove Offensive, Historically Inaccurate Confederate Plaque
2018 Press Releases
Texas Curriculum Standards Revision an Exercise in Politicians Masquerading as Historians
Texas Curriculum Standards Revision an Exercise in Politicians Masquerading as Historians
Scholars from Across the Country Call on Texas SBOE to Correct Historical Distortions
Huge Spike in Turnout Among Texans Under 30 Signals Coming Sea Change in State’s Electoral Politics
TFN President Kathy Miller Statement on Election Results: Rise of Young Voters in Texas
‘Texas Rising’ Pushes to Raise Voter Turnout Among Texans Ages 18-29
Texas SBOE Puts Politics Ahead of Truth in Curriculum Standards
Time for the Texas State Board of Education to Teach the Truth
Texas HHSC Report on Family Planning Programs Leaves Out a Lot
TFN Calls for Investigation of State Contract Renewal for Anti-Abortion Group
TFN Statement on Speaker Straus’ Call for Investigating Texas HHSC Contracting
2017 Press Releases
TFN Statement: Court Decision Means Anti-Equality Politicians Are Renewing Culture War over Marriage
Texas Rising, Wendy Davis Take ‘Lies into Laws’ Campaign to University Campuses
Texas Clergy Sign on to Supreme Court Brief Supporting Equality in Key LGBT Discrimination Case
TFN Statement on President Trump’s Federal Judge Nominations
TFN Statement on the End of the Texas Legislative Special Session
TFN Statement on Texas Supreme Court’s Ruling on Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses of Public Employees
California Ban on Travel Highlights Risks of Discrimination Obsession at the Texas Capitol
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Gov. Abbott Signing Discriminatory Adoption/Foster Care Bill
Texas Freedom Network Statement on the Legislative Special Session Announcement
Texas Freedom Network Statement on the End of the Texas Legislative Session
TFN Statement on Texas Senate Passage of Private School Voucher Scheme
TFN Statement on Senate Passage of HB1291: Making the Textbook Wars Worse
Report: Texas Worst in the Nation in Scientifically Unfounded Anti-Abortion Restrictions
TFN Hails Removal of Anti-Evolution Requirements From Texas Public School Science Standards
TFN President: It’s Time for the Texas State Board of Education to Listen to Teachers
Politicians Are Misusing Faith, Misleading on Claims about Safety to Scapegoat and Hurt LGBT Texans
TFN Statement on Texas Senate Passage of SB 3 Private School Voucher Bill
Avalanche of Proposed Bills Would Allow the Use of Religion to Discriminate in Texas
New TFN Education Fund Study: Texas Is Failing on Sex Education
New TFN Education Fund Study: Texas Is Failing on Sex Education
TFN President Calls Out State Board of Education for Once Again Overruling Teachers
TFN President Calls Out TX State Board of Education for Once Again Overruling Teachers
TFN President: Texas Transgender Bill is About Discrimination and Political Grandstanding
2016 Press Releases
Creationists Are (Once Again) Trying to Sabotage Texas Science Curriculum Standards
TFN Calls for Investigation into Whether Texas SBOE Member Is Violating State’s Open Records Law
TFN President Calls Out Education Board Members for Pressuring Science Curriculum Writers
TEXANS TO JANE NELSON: STOP IGNORING THE FACTS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT’S ABORTION DECISION TODAY
TFN Responds to Paxton Lawsuit Against Obama Administration Transgender Student Directive
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Texas GOP Runoff Race for State Board of Education
Activists Call on Supreme Court to Stop Politicians from Restricting Access to Safe, Legal Abortion
2015 Press Releases
TEXAS EDUCATION BOARD REJECTS QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEXTBOOK REVIEWERS
Texas SBOE Refuses to Tighten Process for Ensuring Accuracy in Textbooks
Joint Press Release from the Texas Freedom Network and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas
TFN PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO NEWS ABOUT NEW TEXAS TEXTBOOK CONTROVERSY OVER SLAVERY, MIGRATION
NEW REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & JUSTICE ‘ARTIVISM’ PROJECT LAUNCHES IN TEXAS
TFN PRESIDENT EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN ABBOTT’S SBOE CHAIR CHOICE
EXTREMISTS UNDERMINED CHANCES FOR REAL PROGRESS IN TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
TFN HAILS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HOUSTON ANTI-DISCRIMINATION MEASURE
TEXAS HOUSE TO TAKE UP INDIANA-STYLE BILL SUBVERTING POTENTIAL SUPREME COURT RULING ON MARRIAGE
CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS RAISE THE ALARM ON ANTI-LGBT BILLS IN TEXAS
TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK PRESS STATEMENT ON HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF HB 4105
TFN PRESIDENT CONDEMNS TEXAS SENATE PASSAGE ON SECOND READING OF VOUCHER BILL
VOUCHER BILLS REPRESENT RECKLESS EFFORTS TO CUT FUNDING TO NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FAITH LEADERS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE WITH PUBLIC SERVICE IN AUSTIN
TFN PRESIDENT APPLAUDS LAWMAKER’S DECISION TO ‘RECONSIDER ENTIRELY’ PROPOSED HJR 55
FAITH LEADERS CALL FOR EQUALITY FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER TEXANS
AT FIFTH CIRCUIT HEARING, GROUPS UNITE IN FIGHT AGAINST HB 2
2014 Press Releases
TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES TEXTBOOKS WITH CHANGES NO ONE HAS VETTED
TFN PRESIDENT CONDEMNS HATEFUL MAILER IN NORTH TEXAS SENATE RACE
PUBLISHERS MAKE SOME CORRECTIONS, BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN IN TEXAS TEXTBOOK ADOPTION
TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK HONORS STRONG WOMEN MAKING HISTORY AT 19TH ANNUAL GALA
Scholar Reviews Highlight Problems in Proposed Texas Social Studies Textbooks
SBOE Politics as Usual: Textbook Review Once Again Corrupted by Lack of Expertise
SUPREME COURT’S BIRTH CONTROL DECISION REDEFINES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK STATEMENT ON SBOE’S ACTION ON ETHNIC STUDIES COURSES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
AUSTIN PASTOR, TFN BOARD MEMBER PRAISES RULING FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN TEXAS
NEW STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TEXTBOOK ADOPTION RULES ARE A MODEST STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
2013 Press Releases
TEXAS TEXTBOOK ADOPTION IS A MAJOR VICTORY FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION
TFN, Science Advocates to Texas SBOE: Don’t Ignore Experts on Science Textbooks
PUBLISHERS RESIST PRESSURE TO UNDERMINE EVOLUTION COVERAGE IN PROPOSED TEXAS SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS
TEXAS REVIEWERS PRESSURE PUBLISHERS ON EVOLUTION, CLIMATE CHANGE
SCHOLARS GIVE PROPOSED BIOLOGY TEXTBOOKS THUMBS UP ON EVOLUTION COVERAGE
Petition Calls on Gov. Perry to Add Sex Education to Call for Special Session
TFN President Criticizes Sen. Patrick for Harassing School Districts and Teachers Over CSCOPE
Culture Wars Took a Back Seat to Solving Real Problems in 2013 Legislative Session
CSCOPE Surrender Throws Hundreds of School Districts Under the Bus
TFN President: SBOE Resolution Sends Strong Message Against Private School Vouchers
SBOE REVIEW OF CSCOPE CURRICULUM SYSTEM ALREADY RAISING RED FLAGS
TFN PRESIDENT CALLS ON TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL TO DECLINE AWARD FROM EXTREMIST LEADER’S GROUP
TFN PRESIDENT CRITICIZES SENATE COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF RECKLESS ANTI-SEX EDUCATION BILL TODAY
SBOE CHAIR’S SCIENCE COMMENTS AT HEARING HIGHLIGHT CONCERNS OVER HER APPOINTMENT
TEXAS SBOE CHAIR:TEXTS SHOULD TEACH ‘OTHER SIDE’ ON EVOLUTION
FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT 2007 LEGISLATION UNDERMINES STUDY OF BIBLE IN TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2012 Press Releases
TFN PRESIDENT: TAX CREDIT VOUCHERS ARE A RACKET THAT BENEFITS CORPORATIONS BUT NOT KIDS
New Faces Must Take Texas State Board of Education In a New Direction
TFN TO HONOR BIOTECH ENTREPRENEUR, YOUTH LEADERS AT 17TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION
TFN ENDORSES 11 IN TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES
TFN President Tells Senate Education Committee to Stop Wasting Time on Voucher Schemes
TFN Commends Thomas Nelson Publishing for Pulling David Barton’s Distorted Book on Thomas Jefferson
Statement from TFN President Kathy Miller on State Board of Education Primary Results
FUNDRAISERS FOR TEXAS SBOE INCUMBENT’S CAMPAIGN RAISE QUESTIONS
JANUARY 25 SYMPOSIUM EXPLORES RELIGION IN THE 2012 ELECTIONS
PULITZER-WINNING COLUMNIST LEONARD PITTS TO SPEAK IN HOUSTON JANUARY 25
2011 Press Releases
STATE APPROVAL OF CHRISTIAN-THEMED LICENSE PLATE DISRESPECTFUL OF CHRISTIANITY, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
TFN PRESIDENT: NEW REPORT CONFIRMS TEXAS SBOE’S FAILURE ON CURRICULUM STANDARDS
TFNEF Analysis: New Law Could Bring Sea Change to Textbook Adoptions in Texas
TFN President: Gov. Perry’s Claims About Teaching Creationism in Texas Incorrect, Irresponsible
TFN President Applauds Final Version of Publisher’s Science Materials
Thousands Send Message to Gov. Perry: Stop Using Faith as a Political Weapon to Divide Americans
TFN President Kathy Miller: Texas Kids, Sound Science Education Triumph in SBOE Vote
TFN President Expresses Concerns About Continuing Problems at State Board of Education
Gov. Perry Puts Politics Ahead of Education by Appointing Cargill As SBOE Chair
Creationists Target Science Instructional Materials in Texas
National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: Time to Stop Ignoring the Problem in Texas
Proposed Instructional Materials Put Science Education, Public Schools at Risk in Texas
Time to Put College and Workforce Readiness Ahead of Politics in Curriculum Standards
TFN President Kathy Miller: New Leadership Needed on State Board of Education
CREATIONIST GROUP PUSHES ANTI-EVOLUTION MATERIALS IN TEXAS SCIENCE CLASSES
2010 Press Releases
TFN President Condemns Board’s Passage of Anti-Islam Resolution
TFN Joins National Groups Opposing Politicization of Curriculum Standards in Texas
Texas Ed Board Guts Instruction on Key Constitutional Protection for Religious Freedom
Lawmakers, Civil Rights Leaders, Parents Call on SBOE to Send Curriculum Standards Back to Experts
Proposed New Changes to Social Studies Standards Rewrite History, Promote Fringe Political Arguments
New Dunbar Comments Highlight Extremism on Texas State Board of Education
SBOE Chair Lowe’s Explanation for Dropping Jefferson from Standard Doesn’t Hold Water
TFN President: Curriculum Process Is Seriously Broken, Dominated by Politics and Incompetence
Texas SBOE Rejects Religious Freedom in Social Studies Curriculum
TFN President: Voters on Tuesday Rejected ‘Culture War’ Battles on Education Board
2009 Press Releases
TFN Statement on Dunbar Decision Not to Seek Re-election to SBOE Seat
TFN President Calls on Legislature to Investigate SBOE Ethics Concerns
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Appointment of Gail Lowe as SBOE Chair
TFN Statement on the Senate’s Rejection of Don McLeroy’s Confirmation as SBOE Chairman
TFN Statement on Senate Committee Approval of McLeroy’s Nomination as SBOE Chair
TFN President Strongly Condemns House Rejection of SBOE Sunset Bill Today
SBOE-Appointed Social Studies ‘Experts’ Lack Credentials, Denounce Public Education, Support
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Passage of Permanent School Fund Measures
House Reaffirms Strong Opposition to Vouchers in Texas with Overwhelming Vote
Putting Chains on Stem Cell Research Would Hurt Texas Families and Economy
TFN President: Texas State Board of Education Adopts Flawed Science Standards
TFN President Condemns Shocking Book Endorsement by Texas SBOE Chairman
TFN President Calls on Lawmakers to Reject Proposed Anti-Science Legislation
New Study: Texas Failing Families, Teens on Sexuality Education
SBOE Vote Against ‘Strengths and Weaknesses’ Language Represents Major Victory for Science Education
2008 Press Releases
Texas Freedom Network Statement on AG Ruling on Public School Bible Classes
TEA Dropout Recovery Voucher Scheme Is Political Payback for James Leininger
Texas Attorney General Cannot Certify Bible Courses Will Be Constitutional
‘Dropout Recovery Program’ Could Lead to Private School Voucher Scheme in Texas
Adult Stem Cells Are Only Part of Groundbreaking Medical Research Needing Support
University Faculty: No Certification for Group’s Creation ‘Science’ Master’s Degree
TFN Urges Rejection of Reading Lists in New Language Arts Standards
Odessa Lawsuit Agreement Confirms TFN Warnings about Deeply Flawed Bible Course
Board Chairman Recklessly Throws Away Two Years of Work, Taxpayer Dollars on Curriculum Revision
TFN Asks IRS to Investigate Foundation Linked to Texas Restoration Project
2007 Press Releases
Recorded Lecture Reveals New Texas Education Board Chair’s Hostility To Science, Religious Tolerance
Texas Freedom Network Statements on End of 80th Regular Session of Texas Legislature
Texas Freedom Network Statement on Senate Passage of Bible Class Bill
Odessa Bible Class Lawsuit a Result of Reckless Decisions by Local Officials
House Passage of Committee’s Bible Class Bill Is a Victory for Religious Freedom in Texas
Texas Freedom Network Applauds House Committee Action on Bible Class Bill
TFN Condemns Irresponsible Vote for Ban on Stem Cell Research Funding
TFN Launches Statewide Petition Campaign Supporting Stem Cell Research
Proposed Bill on Bible Classes Could Endanger Religious Freedom
Proposed Massive Pilot Voucher Program Takes Aim at Urban School Districts
Autism Voucher Scheme Would Undermine Special Education Efforts in Texas Public Schools
Special Education Initiatives, Not Vouchers, Are Real Solution for Students with Disabilities
TFN Statement: Bill Protects Stem Cell Research, Gives Hope to Patients and Families
Vouchers Are Not the Solution for Families of Children with Autism
Proposed Bill Favors Deeply Flawed Bible Curriculum in Texas Public Schools
Challenge to Speaker Sent a Message: Put the People’s Interests above Special Interests
2006 Press Releases
Voucher Schemes are Expensive, Ineffective and Unaccountable
Clergy, Parents Voice Concerns About Public School Bible Classes
Voucher-Obsessed Leininger Moves to Close Sale on Legislature
2005 Press Releases
TFN Calls for Investigation of Group Backing Marriage Amendment
No More Distractions: Lawmakers Must Stay Focused on the Real Goal
Lawmakers Wasted Time on Distractions Instead of Focusing on Priorities
Conference Committee Rejects Witch Hunts in Child Protective Services Bill
Voucher Defeat a Triumph for Texas Families and Neighborhood Public Schools
House Committee Votes to Hold Texas Kids, Texas Education Agency Hostage to Vouchers
San Antonio Parents, Teachers Warn Legislators about Failures of Edgewood Voucher Program
H.B. 2479 Returns Texas to Days of Dangerous, Unregulated Faith-Based Programs
House Bill Gives State Board Of Education A Free Hand To Censor Textbooks
Senate Education Bill Calls For Unprecedented Privatization of Texas Schools
House Voucher Bills Drain Millions of Dollars from Public Schools
TFN Celebrates 10 Years Standing Up For Mainstream Values With New Web Site, ‘Open House’
2004 Press Releases
Thousands Of Texans Join Campaign For Responsible Health Textbooks
Samantha Smoot To Step Down As Texas Freedom Network President
Experts, Organizations Call For Responsible Health Textbooks In Texas High Schools
From Bad To Worse: Publishers Make Reckless Changes To Proposed New Health Textbooks
Organizations Launch Campaign To Fight Assault On Responsible Health Education In Textbook Adoption
State Review Panels Give OK To Failing Health Textbooks In Texas Adoption
Texas Freedom Network Applauds Bipartisan Efforts On School Finance
Vouchers, ‘Home Rule’ Are Not The Solution To School Funding Crisis
2003 Press Releases
Mainstream Texans Gather In Dallas To Proclaim Faith And Science Not In Conflict
Publishers Resist Political Pressure To Alter Biology Textbooks
Committee Substituted Voucher Bill Sneaks Through Committee At Closed Meeting On House Floor
Groups Decry “Home-Rule” Bill That Eliminates Class Size, Curriculum, All Education Standards
Texas House Votes Down Dangerous “Virtual” Schools Bill; Senate Approves Similar Measure
Voucher Bill Sneaks Through Committee At Closed Meeting On House Floor
2002 Press Releases
SBOE Adopts Social Studies Textbooks After Religious Right Revamp
Publishers Make Creationist, Anti-Muslim Changes To Pass Religious Right Litmus Test
Controversial Religious Right Group, Free Pac, Has Cozy Relationship With Candidates Across State
White House Sends Top Gun To Defend Faith-Based Initiative In Dallas
