Article from the Delmarva Parent Teacher Coalition
Somerset County Voters Made Their Choice — And It Was Clear
In the November 2024 election, the voters of Somerset County shifted the school board to a conservative majority. They did so with a mandate: to improve school safety, academic performance, curriculum, family rights in education, and equal educational opportunities. They also voted to put an end to discriminatory practices disguised as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). The results were clear — and the backlash that would come was predictable.
When political opponents grow desperate, they resort to their oldest tactic: playing the race card.
But this time, will it work?
Matthew Lankford ran on a transparent, issue-based platform and defeated incumbent Troy Brittingham in a landslide. Why? Because the voters had grown tired of divisive racial rhetoric and policies that promoted inequality instead of unity.
At a board meeting, Brittingham was recorded on video saying:
“We are a minority-majority school system, and the teachers and staff don’t look like that. When we ask for that, it’s not that we’re pushing the hiring of minority teachers. There’s tons of research out there that students perform better with teachers that look like them.”
Somerset County BOE Member Suggests Racist Hiring Practices and Segregation
Statements like this suggest a push for race-based hiring and teacher-student matched segregation— a policy direction that most Somerset citizens reject.
The Board’s New Direction and the Resistance to It
Since the new majority took office, the Somerset County Board of Education has worked to set the school system on a righteous path to success. But they’ve encountered significant resistance along the way, especially from a superintendent who refuses to carry out board policies, write procedures, or respect the will of the voters. All of this can be clearly observed from attending public meetings by anyone paying attention.
In any other workplace, such blatant insubordination and neglect of duty would result in immediate termination, as it should. Publicly documented behavior includes willful defiance, not comprehending the role, and possible illegal acts such as altering official records. The public only sees part of the picture as employment records are confidential.
The board has extended a tremendous amount of patience and grace to the superintendent along the way. Yet, political activists have rushed in to distort the issue entirely.
The Manufactured Crisis: Make It About Race
Unable to defend the superintendent’s actual record, the Somerset Education Association (SEA) and its allies have created a racially charged narrative, claiming the board’s actions are rooted in racism. With assistance from agitators, activist groups, and sympathetic media, they’ve aimed to stir division by pushing emotional narratives instead of facts.
Their goal is simple: use accusations of racism to distract from the real issues — failing schools, unsafe environments, and plummeting academic performance. These are the facts Somerset families are truly concerned about, yet many are misled into defending the very policies that have failed their children.
Why Teachers Unions Should Be Decertified
Where Is the Accountability?
Unfortunately, organizations like the NEA, AFT, MSEA, and SEA have not focused on improving education or working conditions. Instead, their primary mission has become political — opposing any effort that conflicts with their agenda, even when that agenda has failed students.
National Education Association Members, Is This What You Believe?
Similarly, the NAACP, while once a powerful voice for justice, has strayed from its founding mission since its establishment in 1909. Instead of advocating for real educational advancement, stable family structures, and community responsibility, the organization has increasingly focused on reactionary narratives and race-based politics. In doing so, it avoids addressing the deeper issues plaguing underperforming communities: fatherless homes, personal accountability, welfare dependency, and lack of opportunity.
Schools That Embrace BLM Are Systemically Racist
DEI vs. Civil Rights: Know the Difference
Many confuse civil rights laws with DEI policies, but they are not the same. Civil rights laws seek to ensure equal treatment and protection. DEI policies often promote preferential treatment based on race, which contradicts the principle of equality.
The Somerset County Board of Education has made it clear: they are committed to upholding the law — specifically Title VI and Title IX — ensuring equal opportunity without preference or prejudice.
Key Differences Between Civil Rights Laws and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies
Fabricating An Illusionary Community with the Help of Outsiders
While actual local engagement at board meetings with Somerset County citizens has been relatively low, there have been coordinated efforts to flood meetings primarily with activists and unions from outside counties — all attempting to portray a manufactured crisis. Those in attendance included representatives from three separate teachers’ unions—Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset—as well as NAACP chapters from each of those counties, along with librarians from across the region. These groups have one goal: to create the illusion of widespread outrage and suppress the will of Somerset County residents.
Among the board’s members, three remain united in fulfilling their promises to the voters. One, however — William McInturff — appears to be aligning with the political forces that were rejected at the ballot box.
The Race Card Won’t Work Anymore
Across the country, over 77 million Americans have rejected divisive, race-based politics. Somerset County is no different. In just six months, this board has taken meaningful steps to remove DEI policies, implement lawful standards, and re-focus education on academics and opportunity.
This is what voters demanded. And the board will continue to deliver.
In the end, it’s not about race. It’s about results. And Somerset County is ready to Make Education Great Again!
Somerset BOE: 1st Maryland District to Sign Federal Title VI Certification to End Discrimination
Fellows & Editors
August 1, 2025 – Copyright DelmarvaPTC.org
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