TYC Scandal: Dunnam Calls On Governor To Fire TYC Board

Following the Select Committee on Operation and Management of the Texas Youth Commission’s “no confidence” vote in the TYC Board, House Democratic Leader Jim Dunnam called upon Texas Governor Rick Perry to fire the commission’s governing board:

“Today, I am calling on Governor Perry to fire the Board of the Texas Youth Commission. It is clear from the board members’ testimony today, that they are totally incapable of
reforming the TYC and protecting vulnerable Texas youth. Unfortunately, the Board members have refused to resign. However, Governor Perry has the responsibility and authority under the Texas Constitution to remove the Board immediately. Nothing short of the complete removal of the TYC Board is acceptable; and the committee’s vote of noconfidence in the Board demonstrates that many of my colleagues agree.”

Dunnam also asked the question we’ve been asking here at Capitol Annex for over a week: Who knew what and when did they know it. More:

“In spite of revealing testimony demonstrating the incompetence of the TYC Board, today’s hearing did not give us a definitive answer to the most crucial questions: who knew what, and when did they know it? I am glad that Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle will help us get to the bottom of this story by aggressively investigating and prosecuting the destruction or alteration of government records in this case. This is not about politics — it is about demanding government accountability and doing what is right.
I was also deeply moved by the testimony of the Texas Ranger who investigated the original cases of abuse at the TYC West Texas school. Ranger Brian Burzynski’s dedication and commitment reflect the long and proud traditions of the Texas Rangers. Any Texas family who has experienced the horrible betrayal of sex abuse in TYC should come forward. It is now clear that sex abuse in TYC was not isolated to one facility in West Texas; instead it is a far too common occurrence at TYC facilities around the state.”

We’ll bring you more as the story continues to develop.

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