A new Justice Department report reveals that more than a dozen officials within the department and the FBI raised concerns about the Biden administration’s response to threats against school board members. The findings challenge the legitimacy of an October 2021 memo issued by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Internal Objections

The report includes internal emails showing that Justice Department officials warned the initiative appeared political and risked targeting constitutionally protected speech. One attorney in the deputy attorney general’s office wrote, “This is ridiculous,” while another remarked, “They might as well rename the damn thing the Anti-MAGA Task Force.”

These objections were raised before Garland issued his directive, which instructed the FBI and federal prosecutors to collaborate with state and local authorities to identify and assess threats against school officials. The memo followed a September 2021 request from the National School Boards Association for federal assistance regarding violence and intimidation at meetings.

Federal Response and Outcomes

The FBI opened 25 assessments connected to the Garland memo. However, no parents are known to have faced domestic terrorism charges as a result of these investigations. Garland defended the directive during congressional testimony, stating it was aimed at criminal conduct rather than parents exercising their right to protest.

The National School Boards Association later apologized for language used in its initial letter requesting federal aid. The Trump administration asserts that the new report demonstrates the Justice Department was weaponized against parents during the previous administration.

Next Steps

The current Justice Department plans to offer subjects of those FBI assessments an opportunity to review their files. Officials will examine the records for potential constitutional rights violations and issue formal apologies where such violations are found. This review process marks a significant shift in how federal agencies handle past investigations into school board disputes.