Kate Rogers, the CEO of the nonprofit managing the Alamo, has resigned following scathing criticism from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick expressed concern over Rogers' views, claiming they contradict the historical significance of the Alamo, a site considered a vital part of Texas heritage.
In a letter directed towards the Alamo Trust’s Board of Directors, Patrick suggested that Rogers should either resign or face removal due to her academic paper which questioned the Texas Legislature's education policies and proposed a broader interpretation of the site's history.
Rogers announced her resignation in a statement, saying, It was with mixed emotions that I resigned my post as President and CEO at the Alamo Trust yesterday. It became evident through recent events that it was time for me to move on. Patrick labeled her academic perspective shocking and implied it undermined the traditional teachings surrounding the Alamo.
Patrick's harsh criticism coincides with a larger national debate about how American history, particularly topics like race and slavery, is represented in educational curriculums and public narratives. He emphasized the need to preserve the legacy of the Alamo, referring to the 1836 siege as 13 Days of Glory, which is a key element in the state's historical narrative. This terminology stands in stark contrast to Rogers' views, which advocated for a more inclusive study of the site's past that acknowledges the influence of Indigenous peoples and the context of slavery in Texas history.
In response to the political fallout from her paper, which criticized the conservative legislative agenda, Rogers argued that educators should have the autonomy to determine appropriate content in classrooms without political interference.
Her resignation is deemed by some, including Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, to be a concerning political maneuver. Sakai called for a separation between politics and education, stressing that historical narratives should not be dictated by political agendas. He remarked, We need to get politics out of our teaching of history. Period.
The Alamo Trust, which operates the site under a contract with the Texas General Land Office, is preparing for a $400 million renovation, including the construction of a new visitor's center and museum slated to open in 2027. As the debate continues, the future depiction of the Alamo's storied past remains at the forefront of political discussion in Texas.
