How Politics Derailed Henry Bousquet’s New Bedford School Committee Bid

New Bedford resident Henry Bousquet offers no apologies for his conservative political views, nor should he. It's nobody's business.

Bousquet’s Background in Education and Public Service

Bousquet is a longtime educator at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and a former elected official in the City of New Bedford. Bousquet represented the people of Ward 3 on the City Council for five years before stepping aside to give someone else an opportunity to serve.

Bousquet started as a substitute teacher at GNB Voc-Tech in 1999 and began teaching full-time in 2007. He remains there today.

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Born and raised in New Bedford, Bousquet and his wife of 24 years have raised two daughters, two dogs, and paid tons of property taxes on their North End home.

How the School Committee Vacancy Unfolded

When a vacancy arose on the New Bedford School Committee due to the passing of committee member Bruce Oliveira, Bousquet raised his hand. His government service and experience as a teacher certainly qualify him.

Following several rounds of balloting, a special joint conference of the School Committee, the City Council, and Mayor Jon Mitchell made Bousquet a finalist for the position, along with political newcomer Marcus Coward.

Political Backlash and Accusations

That prompted a band of counterculture social warriors to launch a vicious attack against Bousquet, accusing his supporters of attempting to "pack our city positions with MAGA MEN."

Ultimately, Bousquet withdrew from consideration, and a compromise candidate, former Ward 1 City Councilor Brad Markey, was appointed to the vacancy.

READ MORE: Markey Wins School Committee Seat After Tumultuous Day

Bousquet, a "proud Republican," tells me, "Trump is my President."

Ah, there lies the rub.

Voc-Tech Admissions and School Choice Debate

A threatened protest of the joint conference's final vote seemed to coincide with Mitchell suddenly changing his vote from Bousquet to Coward. In doing so, Mitchell accused Bousquet, among other things, of supporting a "downright discriminatory" admissions policy for Voc-Tech.

READ MORE: Mayor Mitchell Flips Vote Ahead of Key School Committee Decision

The policy that Bousquet and many others support requires Voc-Tech applicants to maintain good grades, attendance, and behavior. Mitchell and the social warrior crowd believe that the basic criteria are somehow racist and unfair. They favor a lottery admission policy.

Bousquet was also hammered for his belief that funding should follow the student when parents opt out of the public school system in favor of charter schools, homeschooling, and vocational schools.

"I look at every issue through the lens of a parent, educator, and taxpayer. Issue by issue," Bousquet said. "I am a reasonable, thoughtful, passionate evaluator."

READ MORE: The Deal That Landed Brad Markey on the School Committee

"I was portrayed as someone who fits into a common narrative they use to paint patriots as radicalized white nationalists, when it's farthest from the truth," he said. "I kept my kids pretty insulated from it, but my wife was hurt. If anything, that is what hurt me."

"I have thick skin, so it didn't bother me per se," he said. "But it was so false."

Bousquet Says He’ll Return

Henry Bousquet is not allowing this unfair and un-American treatment to keep him from serving his community, however.

"Oh, Barry, I will be back," he said.