Thank You for Standing With Me — But Our Work Is Not Done Yet

Tonight, I stood before the EPISD Board of Trustees and spoke in defense of Special Education. To everyone who signed my petition, shared a post, sent words of encouragement, reached out privately, or stood beside me in spirit—thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Public speaking is not my strength. Standing at that podium was intimidating. Speaking to multiple news stations afterward was nerve-racking. But I reminded myself that this was never about me. This was about our children. This was about students who rely on Special Education services, accommodations, evaluations, therapies, and the dedicated professionals who help them learn, grow, and succeed. I am grateful to the parents and community members who also spoke tonight. Every voice matters. But our work is not done. The discussion surrounding cuts to Special Education is not over, and I will continue to show up every time our students need someone to stand before that microphone and speak on their behalf. Because someone has to. I will continue to be a voice for the parents who wanted to attend but couldn’t. For the parents who were working. For the parents caring for children with disabilities. For the parents who didn’t know they could speak. For the parents who are afraid to speak. For the families who are exhausted from simply trying to make it through the day. I will be there. But I hope next time, I won’t be standing alone. Our children have a legal right to an education that meets their needs. They deserve the same opportunities as every other student. They deserve access to the evaluations, supports, services, and resources that help them reach their full potential. Special Education students should not receive less because of budget problems. They deserve more support—not less. More resources—not fewer. More opportunities—not barriers. More investment—not cuts. These are some of the most vulnerable students in our community, and they need us now more than ever. So tonight, I am asking for your continued support. Please keep signing. Please keep sharing. Please keep talking about this issue. Please stand beside me as we continue advocating for the children who depend on us to be their voice. This movement has never been about politics. It has never been about recognition. It has always been about children. Children who deserve every opportunity to learn, succeed, and thrive. I spoke tonight because they deserve someone willing to stand up for them. Please help me continue that fight. With humility, compassion, and love for every child, ✋ Hands Off Special Education!