Ritz Supporters Storm Social Media To Protest Board Legislation

The beginning of what many lawmakers referred to as “an education session” of the Indiana General Assembly has focused less on education policy and more on governance.

Multiple bills making their way through both the House and Senate aim to restructure the State Board of Education, after months of tension between state superintendent Glenda Ritz, board members and Gov. Mike Pence. Most of this legislation proposes removing the superintendent from her position as board chair – a spot that state official has traditionally, automatically assumed upon election into office.

Take a look at the different measures up for discussion:

SB 1: Reduces the number of board members from 11 to 9. Removes the requirement that the state superintendent automatically chair the board.
SB 24: Grants Indiana’s governor the authority to appoint the state superintendent of public instruction after January 10, 2021. Superintendent is currently one of five statewide elected positions.
SB 452: Allows board members to elect a chairperson annually from within their ranks.
SB 453: Changes appointment procedures for SBOE members. Allows the governor and various state legislators to appoint board members.
HB 1201: Increases the number of board members from 11 to 13. Sets forth qualifications for members appointed by the governor.
HB 1486: Allows the state board to appoint an “executive director.”
HB 1609: Removes Ritz as board chair, allows board members to elect a chairperson each year.

HB 1609 is up for a vote at Monday’s House session – and, judging by what’s happened during readings of this proposal, it is widely expected to pass.

This has unsurprisingly upset many voters, who have taken to social media to express their concern.

Led by the Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education, a number of Ritz supporters organized to light up social media Sunday night with what they dubbed a “Twitterstorm,” using the hashtag #IStandWithRitz. Beginning at 4 p.m., participants sent direct tweets to Gov. Pence, House leadership and members of the media:

Cathy Fuentes-Rowher, a Bloomington parent who participated in the event, says she’s tired of seeing the future of her kids’ education caught up in politics.

“The Twitter storm  was an indication of parents all across this state who want to be heard,” Fuentes-Rowher wrote on Facebook. “We’re sending our message that removing Glenda Ritz as Chair of the SBOE is not acceptable.”

The campaign attracted a ton of attention – so much so that #IStandWithRitz became the top trending hashtag in Indianapolis Sunday night. The popularity prompted responses from various national and local leaders as well, including state board member Brad Oliver and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch:

Sad to see an organized Twitter attack questioning my commitment to our kids & teachers. Working to find solutions. #INSBOE #istandwithritz

— Dr. Brad Oliver (@drbradoliver) February 8, 2015

I want a doctor working with my med needs, a dentist working on my teeth, and an educator leading the DOE. #iStandWithRitz

— Stefanie (@StillIndy) February 8, 2015

Join Twitter storm at 4 pm to support Indiana's Glenda Ritz as GOP tries to strip her power as Supt: #iStandWithRitz @GovPenceIN @INHouseGOP

— Diane Ravitch (@DianeRavitch) February 8, 2015

You can follow HB 1609 discussions during Monday’s House session online, beginning at 1:30 p.m.