On March 14, 2025, the Deer Park ISD Board of Trustees named Dr. Tiffany Regan as the lone finalist for superintendent of schools—a highly respected educator with nearly 30 years of experience serving this district.

Just days later, Pastor Doug Harris of Central Baptist Church used his pulpit to launch a public attack against Dr. Regan—not based on her qualifications, but on her sexual orientation. In a sermon, he told his congregation:

“She lives a lifestyle that is ungodly and immoral… we would not condone but condemn.”

“If she would repent of her sin… she would be a phenomenal superintendent.”

“It will only be a matter of time before the wokeism and the liberalism and the sexual immorality begins to be pushed at a fast pace in our district.”

 

This is not about policy. This is not about performance.

This is targeted, identity-based discrimination against a public servant.

 

Dr. Regan is a Deer Park graduate, a longtime teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. She has earned this opportunity through decades of service—not in spite of who she is, but because of her dedication to education, students, and community.

We, the undersigned, call for:

1. A public apology from Pastor Harris for using his pulpit to attack Dr. Regan’s character.

2. A statement from Central Baptist Church disavowing hate speech and affirming dignity for all.

3. A message of support from Deer Park ISD and city officials standing behind Dr. Regan.

4. A clear stand from community members who believe that qualifications—not personal identity—should define leadership.

 

Let’s be clear:

Hate has no home in Deer Park.

We stand with Dr. Tiffany Regan.