Liberal Huntsville City School Board member Andrea Alvarez is again accusing the Alabama Policy Institute (API) of taking part in a "national agenda" aimed at undermining public schools across the country.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Alvarez specifically mentioned API's connection to a national organization of state-based public policy groups that strongly advocates for school choice.
"Alabama Policy Institute is part of (and wins awards from) the State Policy Network?" asked Alvarez. "Who knew they were part of a national agenda against public schools? Oh wait, I've been telling you that for 5 years."
According to Alvarez, API is an "influential cult hidden behind a non-profit."
"They call all the shots because our legislators like [State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur)] and [State Reps. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity)], [Terri Collins (R-Decatur)] and [Susan DuBose (R-Hoover)] can't think critically and only care about re-winning a seat instead of the long-term effects of corrupt and fraudulent policy," she argued. "If you care about public schools, you cannot vote for anyone associated with API."
The outgoing board member accused API of influencing conservative news sources and organizations.
"API also has its tentacles in 1819 News, Yellowhammer News, Eagle Forum, ALEC, Heritage Foundation, Moms for Liberty, etc. They team with whoever is against public education," added Alvarez.
API president and CEO Stephanie Holden Smith responded to Alvarez in a statement to 1819 News, saying she had "her facts incorrect."
"Once again, liberal activist Andrea Alvarez has her facts incorrect concerning the Alabama Policy Institute," Smith said. "API has never been and never will be against public schools. In fact, API supported the RAISE Act, AL Teachers Bill of Rights, AL Workers Compensation Act, Numeracy Act, and multiple other ideas that support Alabama's public school employees and students."
She continued, "Andrea simply doesn't believe children should be allowed to be educated outside of the monopolistic system she helps run. Conversely, API believes in educational freedom for all Alabama students and the rights of parents to choose how their children are educated."
"Andrea's continued threats and vitriolic attacks against API, elected officials, and parents of Alabama's schoolchildren speak for themselves," Smith added.
Following her upcoming departure from the Huntsville Board of Education, Alvarez has announced that she intends to file a lawsuit against Alabama over the CHOOSE Act. Alvarez also plans to raise financial support for the legal effort against the state.
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