Equality Texas Names New CEO

Ricardo Martinez will takeover the advocacy organization on Dec. 1

"...Texas legislative session gaveling in just one month later, Samantha Smoot – former political director for both the Planned..."

Nov. 29, 2019 News Feature by Sarah Marloff

Headlines

"...Ch-ch-changes at EQTX: Samantha Smoot, the interim executive director of Equality Texas since..."

June 28, 2019 News Feature

UPDATE: #SaveChickFilA Bill Moves Closer to Adoption in a Blow to LGBTQ Rights

SB 1978 passes House despite heart-wrenching testimony

"...back to the House, Equality Texas' Interim Executive Director Samantha Smoot put it bluntly: "Senate Bill 1978 has one..."

May 17, 2019 News Post by Sarah Marloff

LGBTQ Forces Prevail at Capitol – For Now

One religious liberty bill dies; another moves forward

"...his bill when it comes to the Senate floor. Samantha Smoot, Equality Texas' interim executive director, predicts that will..."

May 17, 2019 News Feature by Sarah Marloff

Anti-LGBTQ Bills Advancing in the Texas Lege

A call to queer Austinites: Your voice is needed at the Capitol

"...limited financial support. Last week, EQTX’s Interim Executive Director Samantha Smoot said in statement: “Collectively, these bills would swing..."

April 24, 2019 Qmmunity Post by Sarah Marloff

Equality Texas Promotes LGBTQ Friendly Legislation

Report finds “stark gap” between acceptance and lack of protections

"...“Public opinion is with us,” EQTX’s interim executive director Samantha Smoot said during Wednesday’s press conference at the Capitol...."

Feb. 27, 2019 Qmmunity Post by Lilli Hime

Headlines

"...a 15-year tenure, stepped down from the position Monday. Samantha Smoot – who's worked for Texas Freedom Network, Planned..."

Dec. 21, 2018 News Feature

CEO Chuck Smith Leaves Equality Texas

Samantha Smoot tapped for interim executive director position

"...For the time being, Samantha Smoot, a native Texan and the former political director..."

Dec. 17, 2018 News Post by Beth Sullivan

Smoot Steps Down

Texas Freedom Network director moves on after six years of leadership

"...Austinites who haven't heard of Samantha Smoot have probably heard of the group she leads,..."

Oct. 15, 2004 News Feature by Rachel Proctor May

Texas Faith and Freedom

Samantha Smoot recounts her work with the Texas Freedom Network

"...Samantha Smoot, executive director of the Texas Freedom Network since..."

Oct. 15, 2004 News Feature by Rachel Proctor May

Naked City

Headlines and happenings from Austin and beyond

"...to the values of fairness, respect, and compassion," declared Samantha Smoot last week in announcing her resignation, effective Jan...."

Oct. 1, 2004 News Feature by Mike Clark-Madison

SBOE Approves an Evolution in Texas Textbooks

Over loud objections, the State Board of Education voted to approve high school biology textbooks discussing evolution.

"...is great news for the children of Texas," said Samantha Smoot of the Texas Freedom Network, a statewide group..."

Nov. 14, 2003 News Feature by Michael King

Naked City

Beyond City Limits

"...by the anti-fundamentalist Texas Freedom Network. TFN Executive Director Samantha Smoot called the announcement "great news for those who..."

Feb. 21, 2003 News Feature

The Battle of Washington's Bulge

The textbook wars make a casualty of Washington Crossing the Delaware.

"..."The story might seem ridiculous," commented Samantha Smoot of the Texas Freedom Network, which works to..."

Nov. 22, 2002 News Feature by Michael King

Naked City

Protesting SBOE Censorship

"...legislators, calling for an end to what TFN director Samantha Smoot called "textbook censorship ... [and] far-right groups pushing..."

Nov. 15, 2002 News Feature by Michael King

Naked City

Beyond City Limits

"...won't agree to make the changes they demand," said Samantha Smoot, executive director of the TFN, a watchdog group..."

Nov. 1, 2002 News Feature

Postmarks

Our readers talk back.

"...Samantha Smoot..."

Sept. 27, 2002 Column

War by the (Text)book

The State Board of Education's first public hearing on social studies textbooks confirmed that, underneath the thin cloak of bureaucratic civility, an ideological battle is raging over whose story the textbooks should tell.

"...non-ideological textbooks in the schools," says TFN Executive Director Samantha Smoot, "but since the far right has been able..."

July 26, 2002 News Feature by Michael May

Naked City

"...to the fullest education possible," announced TFN Executive Director Samantha Smoot at the group's West Austin office. She was..."

July 12, 2002 News Feature by Michael King

Naked City

This week's roundup of local news and politics

July 12, 2002 News Feature by Lauri Apple

Naked City

Jerry and Perry Agree

"...his holy Internet skills to include an e-jeer against Samantha Smoot of the Texas Freedom Network, an Austin-based nonprofit..."

Nov. 2, 2001 News Feature by Lauri Apple

Naked City

Handicapping the (future) race for mayor.Rep. Jim Dunnam introduces a bill that would place new restrictions on charter schools and limit the creation of new charters; charter school advocates protest, saying they're being punished for the misdeeds of a few.

"...controls are in place. Says Texas Freedom Network director Samantha Smoot, "Today, the system is flawed, overburdened, and ripe..."

March 30, 2001 News Feature by Kevin Fullerton

Naked City

Off the Desk

"...targeted by radio ads" advertising the voucher program, said Samantha Smoot of the Texas Freedom Network -- an Austin-based..."

Feb. 23, 2001 News Feature by Louis Dubose

Naked City

Anti light rail faction makes final push. Austin politicians travel to Round Rock to promote a charter school.

"...criticism during past legislative sessions -- most recently from Samantha Smoot of the Texas Freedom Network, a coalition of..."

Nov. 3, 2000 News Feature by Louis Dubose

All the Right Moves

Democrat Donna Howard faces self-proclaimed moderate Republican Cynthia Thornton in the general election for Austin's seat on the State Board of Education

"...where Thornton's loyalties lie, says Texas Freedom Network director Samantha Smoot...."

Oct. 27, 2000 News Feature by Kevin Fullerton