Controversial Photo of School Board Member with Far-Right Figure Ignites Parental Outcry in Columbia

COLUMBIA — A Controversial Encounter Sparks Concern Among Parents

The beautiful October weather in Columbia has been a treat for residents, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant 71 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the kind of day that makes you want to be outside, soaking up the sun. However, amidst the clear skies and light breezes, a recent event has cast a shadow over the local education community, prompting discussions around safety and values in schools.

Photo Opportunity Raises Eyebrows

On October 14, Lexington-Richland Five school board member Elizabeth Barnhardt was spotted at a debate event organized by a student group at the University of South Carolina. This event featured Owen Shroyer, a host from the far-right media platform InfoWars, who has become infamous for his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The photo that emerged shows Barnhardt smiling and giving a thumbs-up alongside Shroyer, raising eyebrows and concerns among parents and community members.

The reaction was swift, with many questioning Barnhardt’s judgment and the implications of her association with someone who has a troubled history, including spreading conspiracy theories about events like the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. In her now-removed Facebook post, Barnhardt referred to Shroyer as an “incredible American and patriot,” which did not sit well with a significant portion of the community.

Understanding the Backlash

This isn’t the first time Barnhardt has been at the center of controversy. Elected in 2022, she has often leaned towards conservative viewpoints and was previously criticized for her decision to halt discussions around a book by acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates in a local high school class. Given this history, the photo with Shroyer has only intensified the scrutiny she faces.

Many parents were caught off guard by the photo, feeling concerned about what it suggests regarding the leadership in their local schools. One parent, Danielle Gray, whose son attends Dutch Fork High School, expressed her disgust upon seeing Barnhardt and Shroyer together. “It’s just absolutely disgusting,” she remarked, revealing her worries about the messaging such associations send regarding the safety and well-being of children in Lexington-Richland Five schools.

The Broader Context

Shroyer’s history is not only controversial but alarming. Sentenced to two months in prison following his actions during the Capitol riot, Shroyer has a reputation that many in the community believe is problematic, especially for someone who interacts with educators and students. His involvement in spreading conspiracy theories about fragile subjects like Sandy Hook raises significant alarm if such individuals are finding themselves welcomed within educational settings.

Moreover, the recent state school report cards show that while there has been progress in South Carolina education—with more graduates reportedly ready for college or career—high absenteeism rates continue to plague students’ academic performance. This further adds to a climate of concern around what type of values and information are being shared or allowed within school environments.

A Call to Action

As discussions unfold and community members express their outrage and dismay, it’s clear that this situation has spurred a larger conversation about the standards expected from school board officials and their relationships with controversial figures. Parents and community leaders are now faced with a crucial question: what does it mean for their schools, and how will it influence the educational environment for their children?

With the upcoming $240 million bond referendum on the horizon, education leaders in Lexington-Richland Five must navigate these troubled waters carefully. The choices they make in the wake of this incident may well shape the future of education and the trust that parents place in their school systems.