Introduction to the Controversy
A Houston-area church pastor has sparked outrage after condemning the sexuality of Deer Park ISD’s superintendent finalist, Tiffany Regan, and urging his congregation to reject her recent appointment. The controversy began when Central Baptist Church Pastor Doug Harris criticized the district’s move to name Regan as the lone finalist for the superintendent position.
The Pastor’s Comments
In a March 16 sermon, Harris criticized Regan’s lifestyle and worldview, stating that "when you live a lifestyle of sexual immorality and that is your corrupted worldview, everything that you do stems out of the worldview of which you have." He also warned that the district could begin "down a slippery slope" if Regan is appointed, and that "wokeism and liberalism and sexual immorality" could be pushed at a fast pace in the district.
Response from the School District
Deer Park ISD school board president Jason Cable responded to the controversy, stating that Regan’s selection as the superintendent finalist was "based on her proven leadership, experience in education, and dedication to student success — the core qualifications required for this role." He also emphasized that the district adheres to state and federal employment laws that prohibit discrimination based on personal characteristics unrelated to job performance.
Community Reaction
The pastor’s comments were met with sparse claps from the congregation, but aggressive opposition from community members on social media. A petition has been launched calling for a public apology from Harris, a statement from the church disavowing hate speech, and a message of support from the school district. The petition has garnered over 1,350 signatures, with supporters praising Regan’s history in the school district and her commitment to students.
The Petition and Its Demands
The petition states that the controversy is "not about policy" or "performance," but rather "targeted, identity-based discrimination against a public servant." It demands that Harris apologize for his comments, that the church disavow hate speech, and that the school district issue a statement supporting Regan and the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Tiffany Regan’s appointment as superintendent finalist has sparked a heated debate in the community. While some have expressed opposition to her appointment based on her personal characteristics, others have come out in support of her, praising her qualifications and commitment to students. The school board is set to name Regan as the district’s new superintendent in April, following a 21-day waiting period during which the community can offer feedback. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the board’s commitment to making decisions based on qualifications, integrity, and what is best for students and the district.
