In brief
Kate Rogers, the CEO of the Alamo Trust, resigned following a public critique from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who accused her of having views incompatible with the site's history. Patrick's letter called her academic work 'shocking' and suggested she was advocating for a broader historical interpretation of the Alamo, which many state leaders oppose. Rogers expressed her belief that politicians should not dictate educational content, particularly concerning topics like race and slavery.
The CEO of the nonprofit managing the Alamo resigned after a powerful Republican state official criticized her publicly, suggesting that her views aren’t compatible with the history of the Texas shrine.
Kate Rogers said in a statement Friday that she had resigned the day before, after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wrote a letter to the Alamo Trust’s Board of Directors suggesting that she either resign or be removed. Patrick criticized her over an academic paper questioning the GOP-controlled Legislature’s education policies and suggesting she wanted the historic site in Texas to have a broader focus.
“It was with mixed emotions that I resigned my post as President and CEO at the Alamo Trust yesterday,” Rogers said in a statement texted to The Associated Press. “It became evident through recent events that it was time for me to move on.”
Patrick had posted a letter to the board Thursday on X, calling her paper “shocking.” He claimed that her judgment is now in serious question and that her views on how the history of the Alamo should be presented significantly differ from the state’s stance.
This incident highlights an ongoing conflict over the narrative of American history, especially relating to issues such as race and slavery. Patrick's remarks reflect heightened political sensitivities surrounding educational content in Texas, particularly regarding the portrayal of historically important figures and events.
The Alamo, recognized as “the Shrine of Texas Liberty,” attracts more than 1.6 million visitors annually and is currently undergoing a significant renovation expected to complete in 2027. Rogers noted in her writings that as Texas embraces a conservative educational agenda, essential parts of history, including the role of slavery, may be sidelined. Her resignation marks a turning point in how public historical narratives are handled amidst political pressure.
