In a statement shared on the Southlake district's social media platforms, Ledbetter said the district "[recognizes] there are not two sides of the Holocaust."
"As the superintendent of schools, I express my sincere apology regarding the online article and news story released today. During the conversations with teachers during last week’s meeting, the comments made were in no way to convey that the Holocaust was anything less than a terrible event in history," the statement read. "As we continue to work through implementation of [House Bill] 3979, we also understand this bill does not require an opposing viewpoint on historical facts. As a district, we will work to add clarity to our expectations for teachers and once again apologize for any hurt or confusion this has caused."
On Oct. 14, NBC News reported that the district's executive director of curriculum and instruction, Gina Peddy, made a comment during a staff training on the legislation. Peddy can be heard on the video offering the example that teachers should offer balanced perspectives on the Holocaust if they choose to have books about the event in their classroom.
The Texas legislation that prompted the discussion, HB 3979, was passed in June and became effective Sept. 1. The bill outlines what can and cannot be taught in public school social studies courses. The bill states that teachers cannot be required to discuss controversial public policy or social issues and states concepts that one race or sex is superior to others or that one is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive based on their race or sex cannot be taught in public schools.
