Houston ISD was one of several topics raised Saturday morning by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner as he delivered a commencement speech to summer graduates at Prairie View A&M University.
During his speech Turner criticized the state of Florida for its curriculum that says Black people benefited from slavery. He then criticized the state of Texas for taking over Houston ISD, the largest district in the state.
“The self-imposed superintendent is closing 28 libraries at schools that primarily cater to Black and Brown students and turning them into detention centers, saying to our kids, ‘Libraries are not important,’” he said. “…The point I want to make, do well. Make a whole lot of money. Go to the highest level. But don’t forget the bridge that crossed you over.”
Turner has been a vocal critic of the Texas Education Agency taking over Houston ISD. Most recently, state-appointed leaders overhauled a set of policies that gave state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles more expanded power. Miles also drew criticism for turning some school libraries into “team centers” – areas where students who disrupt class will be sent for discipline – and subsequently getting rid of librarians. Turner had previously said that the plan would make the schools look like prisons.
Turner told graduates how his parents helped him in life, and encouraged graduates to remembered those who helped them along the way.
He noted challenges he faced as mayor, like the pension crisis, Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. Turner has four months left as mayor, and said he assumed he would not have to wage anymore political battles and speak out. But he said he owes it to his parents, just as the graduates owe it to those who helped him.
“I’m in my eighth year, I’m looking at the finish line of being mayor. Do you think I want to deal with the Texas Legislature in banning diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “Do you think that’s a fight that I want to deal with in my final year? When I just want to celebrate all of what we’ve done? I don’t want to deal with that issue. But shame on me if those who made the way possible for me, on my watch I allowed it to take place without at least raising my voice.”
