State Rep. Democrat candidate Ebony Turner is facing public scrutiny after residents have criticized a campaign ad for featuring a photo of students, without permission.
Some residents accused Turner of not getting parental consent for using a photo of Mansfield ISD students in one of her recent political ads.
“Ebony Turner’s use of student photos in her campaign raises serious ethical concerns. As an attorney, one would expect her to understand the importance of protecting minors’ privacy, yet she seems to have disregarded the need for parental consent in this situation. Did she even consider obtaining the district’s permission before using these images?” Mansfield resident Myra Miller Castles told The Dallas Express.
“It also raises questions about whether her engagement with students was genuine or merely a means to bolster her political visibility. If she leveraged her role as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) for a photo opportunity to advance her campaign, it not only undermines trust but also blurs the lines between civic responsibility and personal political gain. Is this ethical behavior from someone aspiring for public office?” Castles asked.
Turner’s photo of Mansfield ISD students comes from a Sept. 17 post in which she highlighted National Voter Registration Day.
“Way to go Mansfield ISD high schools participating in National Voter Registration Day in a BIG way!! Summit, Timberview, Lake Ridge, Mansfield High, Legacy, and the Phoenix Academy registered dozens of students to vote today!! Shout out to all of the VDRs and volunteers who made it happen at each school! Special shouts out to the coordinators at each school for organizing and advertising at their respective campuses!” Turner’s Facebook post read.
Photos and videos with minors present cannot be used unless there is a consent form signed by the parents, in order “to ensure their pictures or videos are not used without the parent’s permission,” Aidaform states.
The Dallas Express reached out to Mansfield ISD and Turner but did not get a response.