Teacher Freedom Alliance CEO Ryan Walters called Texas “ground zero” in the national fight over parental rights and education during Texans for Medical Freedom’s third annual Grassroots Gala on October 17.
The organization, led by Jackie Schlegel, held the event at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch. Speakers highlighted legislation on medical consent and parental rights and urged supporters to continue their advocacy.
“So this is ground zero for the fight for our kids. It’s ground zero for the fight for common sense. And frankly, folks, it’s a spiritual battle,” Walters told attendees.
Walters praised advocates working to influence education policy and criticized national teachers unions, describing them as politically radical organizations with substantial financial resources.
“We’re talking about the most radical Marxist organization the country has ever seen, with billions of dollars behind their efforts,” Walters said.
He also encouraged supporters to continue their advocacy beyond Texas, thanking them for fighting for children across the country.
Walters left his post as Oklahoma’s state superintendent to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance in 2025, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
The laws behind the gala
The organization highlighted several legislative priorities from the 2025 Texas legislative session, including SB 269, HB 4535 and SB 12.
SB 269 requires physicians to report certain serious adverse events involving experimental, investigational or emergency-use vaccines and drugs to federal reporting systems. It covers qualifying events within one year of vaccination or drug administration and excludes products administered as part of clinical trials.
HB 4535 requires written informed consent before a COVID-19 vaccination and acknowledgment that the patient, or an authorized person consenting on the patient’s behalf, received a state-developed information sheet covering benefits, risks and other vaccine information.
SB 12 expanded parental rights in public education, including requirements for schools to notify parents about health-related services and obtain consent for certain services and activities.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) signed all three measures on June 20, 2025. They took effect September 1, 2025.
A push for continued support
Nate Schatzline, a senior adviser to Abbott, also addressed the audience, praising Texas Republican leadership and the state’s medical freedom movement.
“I believe we have the greatest leadership in the state of Texas,” Schatzline said.
He encouraged attendees to support the organization financially, arguing that political participation extends beyond voting.
“But I, but I will say this: your second vote is where you put your money and your resources,” he said.
Schatzline connected the organization’s mission to parental authority over children’s upbringing and medical decisions.
“And there’s nothing more that you could do than to say we are going to protect the right for parents to raise up a child in the way that they should go,” Schatzline said.
Provided by Dallas Express
