Jay Barrett/Photo by Campaign
Amarillo College Board of Regents challengers have been leveling criticism at the incumbents seeking re-election regarding the school’s association with the Aspen Institute, a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C.
In a flyer that was passed out at a recent campaign event, one candidate — challenger Jason Foglesong — alleged that incumbent Jay L. Barrett would be “flying to Washington, D.C. to further embrace this liberal elite organization.” The flyer created quite a ruckus, as voters questioned whether the fact was true.
So, is it?
We set out to find out.
The event referenced on the flyer deals with an award ceremony hosted by the Aspen Institute last week for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. A press release for the event referenced the event’s location as Washington, D.C. According to the event’s website, former President Barack Obama praised the award as “basically the Oscars for great community colleges.”
For this year’s award, Amarillo College was one of the finalists and was eventually named one of two award winners. This year’s ceremony was held in Washington, D.C., according to a tweet from the organization. After AC was named a winner, Amarillo College President Russell Lowery-Hart gave a speech accepting the award.
A screenshot from the Aspen Institute event shows Jay Barrett standing directly next to a sign for the event/Screenshot by YouTube
A live stream of the event shows Barrett among a delegation from Amarillo College posing for photos in front of an Aspen Institute sign. Barrett later posted the same photo to his campaign Facebook account.
Days later, Barrett would also make a post to his campaign account, in which he highlighted a statue that he saw in Washington that reminded him of Amarillo College.
So, what is our verdict?
We can confirm he traveled to DC for acceptance of the award. The only thing we cannot confirm at this time is what method of travel he chose.
Barrett is currently seeking re-election to his second full term on the AC Board of Regents. Also on the ballot is incumbent Michele Fortunato and challengers Foglesong, Irene Hughes, Mike Yazbek, and Brady Clark.
Early voting is happening now. Election Day is May 6.