Fort Davis ISD Superintendent’s Promotion of David Barton’s Views Raises Questions on Academic Integrity

In the Fort Davis Independent School District (ISD), Superintendent Graydon Hicks’s consistent social media sharing of David Barton’s controversial historical interpretations has sparked concerns about the academic integrity of the district. Barton is known for a history narrative that many scholars deem fundamentally flawed.

When Big Bend Times reached out to Superintendent Hicks for a statement regarding his frequent promotion of Barton’s views, Hicks declined to provide a written response. Instead, he suggested a face-to-face discussion, a proposal that this publication did not pursue, as we sought direct answers to specific questions rather than engaging in a dialogue. Hicks’s refusal to provide a statement addressing why he actively promotes Barton’s perspectives in the community, and the implications for his own academic stance, has intensified concerns among parents, educators, and community members.

Barton’s most controversial work, “The Jefferson Lies,” was withdrawn by its publisher due to numerous inaccuracies, highlighting the contentious nature of his historical interpretations. Despite this, Hicks has continued to share Barton’s views, leading to worries about how these endorsements might reflect upon or influence the curriculum and educational standards within Fort Davis ISD.

The issue at hand is not only about the separation of church and state but also about the responsibility of educational leaders to uphold academic rigor and impartiality, particularly in the teaching of history. Hicks’s actions have brought to the forefront critical questions about the role of educators in shaping the historical understanding of students and the importance of maintaining factual accuracy and objectivity in educational institutions.

As the community grapples with these concerns, the focus remains on ensuring the academic quality and integrity of education in Fort Davis ISD, reflecting the broader national conversation about educational content, religious influence, and the responsibilities of public school officials.