Today, Republicans in Tarrant County have launched a disturbing attack, targeting young girls in their latest move. The decision by County Judge Tim O'Hare , along with Commissioners Fickes and Ramierz, to deny state funds allocated to Girls Inc. of Tarrant County for what can only be seen as political grandstanding, is an outrage that cannot be tolerated.

Judge O'Hare has explicitly stated that his denial of funding is rooted in his objection to the Girls Inc. program's focus on teaching girls how to advocate for social change. Shockingly, some MAGA Republicans have gone to the extent of labeling Girls Inc. as an "extremist political indoctrination machine advocating for divisive liberal politics."

The consequences of this decision are grave: Girls Inc. of Tarrant County has been stripped of $115,334 in funding for their invaluable Girl Power program. This program plays an essential role in empowering girls from underserved areas in Tarrant County, providing them with vital life skills such as self-esteem, stress management, healthy relationships, and hygiene. It is disheartening to witness that teaching Black and Brown girls to advocate for themselves and nurturing their self-esteem is now deemed extremist by some.

Next week, I am honored to serve as a featured speaker for the Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Day of the Girl Celebration. I implore you to stand with us, to help us raise the $115,333 that was unjustly taken away from Girls Inc. today. Let us unite in sending an unyielding message to Republicans: we will not stand by as they attempt to silence the voices of our girls.