
A retired Army Colonel is accused of using military intelligence tactics to undermine conservative school board members, raising serious ethical questions.
Story Snapshot
- Retired U.S. Army Colonel Pete Im accused of information warfare against conservatives.
- Internal documents reveal strategies to marginalize conservative board members.
- Controversy highlights ethical concerns in local school governance.
- Conservative voices on the school board are diminished post-election.
Military Tactics in School Governance
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Pete Im, serving as Vice President of the USD 469 School Board in Lansing, Kansas, faces accusations of employing military-style information operations against conservative board members. Internal documents obtained through a Kansas Open Records Act request suggest Im advised the superintendent and progressive board members on strategies to undermine three elected conservative women. This has sparked debates about transparency and ethical governance.
The tactics reportedly used by Im mirror military psychological operations, aimed at influencing decision-making and public perception. This application of military doctrine in civilian school board politics is unprecedented and raises questions about ethical boundaries for public officials with military backgrounds. The exposure of such tactics has led to an outcry from those who value transparency and fair governance.
Exclusive Report @RedState: @USACGSC program director uses military information operations tactic to undermine @usd469 Kansas conservative school board members.
[Link in Comments] pic.twitter.com/pcXFO0eewP
— Chase Spears (@DrChaseSpears) November 7, 2025
Election Fallout and Power Dynamics
The board elections in Lansing, Kansas, originally resulted in a progressive majority. However, the recent exposure of Im’s tactics through the internal documents has led to significant changes in board dynamics. Conservative board members, who have been vocal opponents of DEI initiatives, lost their seats in the subsequent elections, solidifying a progressive majority on the board.
With the new board composition, the progressive majority holds significant sway in setting policies. This shift is expected to advance DEI policies unopposed, further marginalizing conservative viewpoints. The lack of state oversight on local school board ethics means these actions remain unchecked, leaving conservative voices increasingly sidelined.
Broader Implications and Ethical Concerns
The use of military-style information operations in local school governance sets a concerning precedent. It poses a risk of eroding trust in democratic processes and school board integrity. This incident has sparked broader discussions about the ethical boundaries for public officials with military or intelligence backgrounds and may prompt calls for clearer regulations and oversight in school governance.
Experts and legal scholars warn against the dangers of disinformation and manipulation in school board politics. They emphasize the need for transparency and adherence to ethical standards to maintain public trust. The situation in Lansing serves as a cautionary tale for other districts facing similar challenges.
Sources:
RedState: Army Professor Wages Information War on School Board Conservatives
Chase Spears Substack: Army Professor Launches Info War
National School Boards Association: 2025 Annual Conference
KPBS: Breaking the Deadlock: Truth Under Fire



























