State BOE Chair Questioned By Senators

By Ben Philpott, KUT News and the Texas Tribune

AUSTIN – Barbara Cargill was appointed Chair of the State Board of Education Chair last July by Governor Perry.  Yesterday, she faced some pointed questions from Texas Senators during a hearing on whether to approve her appointment.

The last two State Board of Education Chairs appointed by Governor Perry were blocked by Democrats in the Texas Senate.  In 2009 Don McLeroy failed to win Senate approval, as did Gail Lowe in 2011.

The Texas Freedom Network, a government watchdog group, says the Board has spent too much time pushing socially and political conservative views in science and social studies textbooks.  Cargill admitted the board had at times become a, quote, “…circus act.”  Austin Senator, Democrat Kirk Watson, asked Cargill if she believed it was her role as chair to keep the board out of unnecessary controversies.

BARBARA CARGILL:  “Yes that is definitely my goal.  And I know you have my cell phone number so you contact me immediately if you feel like we’re not going in that direction.   //Well, you know I’ll do that. //  Yes you will.  I’m glad of it.”

The teaching of evolution has particularly been in the spotlight over the last few years.  Cargill told lawmakers it was not her role as chair, or the board’s role to teach religious beliefs.

CARGILL:  “I do not want in the textbooks creation or intelligent design, but I want publishers to follow the intent of the curriculum standard.  We also require that stasis and transitional fossils etc. be taught.  So I want to be sure that those are taught as well.  But it’s all the science.  So yes I will stand by that position that those should be taught at home or in the church.”

The Republican led Nominations Committee is expected to send Cargill’s nomination to the Senate floor soon.  But floor Democrats have enough votes to block her confirmation, if they choose to.