HOUSTON, TX – A Deer Park pastor is facing backlash after delivering a sermon on Sunday, March 16, in which he condemned a local superintendent finalist for her sexuality. Pastor Doug Harris of Central Baptist Church openly criticized Dr. Tiffany Regan, the Deer Park ISD’s chosen candidate for superintendent, labeling her life as “ungodly and immoral” due to her sexual orientation.
Pastor’s Sermon Sparks Controversy
During his sermon, Pastor Harris suggested that Dr. Regan’s “corrupted worldview” would influence school policy, claiming that her lifestyle would inevitably lead to “wokeism” and liberal values being pushed into the school district. Despite his strong language, Harris stated he was not trying to ruin her career, but hoped she would “repent” and “come to true faith.”
“If she would change her morality to that which we find rooted in scripture about human sexuality,” he said, “she would be a phenomenal superintendent.”
Community Response and Support for Regan
The remarks drew a mixed reaction from Harris’s congregation but ignited significant backlash online. Community members quickly mobilized, launching a petition demanding an apology from the pastor and a clear rejection of hate speech by Central Baptist Church.
The petition — which had gathered over 1,700 signatures by March 27 — asserts that the pastor’s sermon was “targeted, identity-based discrimination against a public servant,” and called on civic leaders to support Dr. Regan.
School Board Stands Behind Regan
In response to the controversy, Deer Park ISD School Board President Jason Cable released a statement expressing confidence in Dr. Regan’s qualifications and leadership.
“Dr. Regan was chosen based on her proven track record and strong instructional leadership,” Cable said. “We remain committed to making decisions rooted in qualifications, integrity, and what is best for our students and district.”
Cable also emphasized that the district follows state and federal employment laws, which prohibit discrimination based on personal identity unrelated to job performance.
A Larger Conversation
The incident has triggered a broader conversation in Deer Park and beyond about the role of personal beliefs in public education and the line between religious expression and discriminatory rhetoric. Many in the community have stepped forward to share their positive experiences with Dr. Regan, highlighting her dedication to students and decades of service in education.
As the school board prepares to move forward with Regan’s appointment, many are watching closely to see how the district will continue to address inclusivity, leadership, and community values.