US DOJ report on parental targeting allegations

The Department of Justice Weaponization Working Group has released a report alleging that the Biden administration and the National School Boards Association collaborated to target parents protesting school board policies. The report claims that following a September 2021 letter from the National School Boards Association, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum in October 2021 directing federal agencies to investigate threats at school board meetings.

Findings indicate that White House and DOJ officials sought a federal “hook” to justify criminal charges against parents, including those protesting COVID-19 restrictions. Internal records suggest DOJ and FBI staff warned leadership that the directive was potentially unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Specific details from the report reveal that the FBI opened 25 “Guardian assessments” involving parents. One investigation was reportedly triggered by a tip regarding a mother’s membership in a “right-wing mom’s group.” Tina Descovich, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, stated the actions caused parents to fear speaking publicly due to concerns over government scrutiny. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who released the report, stated the actions were intended to “chill free speech and parental rights.”