Defense of Democracy Podcast

In this episode Karen talks with Jennifer Jenkins, a school board member who has been at the forefront of the Moms for Liberty movement. Jennifer shares her journey from being a passionate educator advocating for fair teacher wages to facing intense backlash and harassment after winning her school board seat. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of extremist groups, and the importance of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in education. Jennifer also discusses her new organization, Educated We Stand, aimed at supporting school board candidates in battleground states. The episode highlights the resilience and courage required to navigate the current political landscape in education.

Conversation Key Takeaways:

• Jennifer Jenkins ran for school board to advocate for fair teacher wages.
• She faced significant backlash from Moms for Liberty after her election.
• COVID-19 created chaos in schools, impacting students and staff.
• Harassment and threats became a daily reality for Jennifer.
• The rise of extremist groups has affected school board dynamics.
• Jennifer's new organization aims to support pro-education candidates.
• Community support is crucial for those standing up against extremism.
• The importance of LGBTQ+ rights in education is a key issue.
• Grassroots movements can make a significant impact in local elections.
• It's essential to amplify voices and stop the culture of silence.

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In this podcast episode, investigative journalist Sean Kevin Campbell discusses the tragic case of Tyree Nichols, exploring the systemic issues of police brutality in Memphis. He delves into the history of policing in the city, the formation and implications of the Scorpion Unit, and the broader societal impacts of such violence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and learning from Black history to foster change and combat systemic racism in law enforcement.

Resources:

Sean's website:
https://seankevin.com/

Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/07/tyre-nichols-black-police-officers-memphis-history

Info about the 1866 massacre: 
https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/july-30-1866-new-orleans massacre/#:~:text=The%20New%20Orleans%20Massacre%20(also,Black%20Codes%20and%20limiting%20suffrage.

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In this episode Karen sits down with Kelly Kervin. She's an advocate for public schools and shares her experience with Moms for Liberty and the damaging policies they have implemented in Brevard County, Florida. She discusses the firing of the superintendent, the book challenges, and the focus on culture wars instead of addressing important issues like teacher shortages and discipline disparities. Kelly highlights the extremist nature of Moms for Liberty and the need for grassroots organizations to counter their influence. She also mentions the arming of staff members and the banning of books in the school district. Despite the challenges, Kelly remains hopeful for positive change.

Conversation Key Takeaways:

• Moms for Liberty in Brevard County, Florida has implemented damaging policies in the school district, including firing the superintendent and banning books.
• The focus of Moms for Liberty has shifted from fighting masks in schools to various other issues, such as culture wars and book challenges.
• Kelly Kervin emphasizes the extremist nature of Moms for Liberty and the need for grassroots organizations to counter their influence.
• The school district in Brevard County has also implemented controversial measures, such as arming staff members and using weapon detection systems.
• Despite the challenges, Kelly remains hopeful for positive change and sees potential in upcoming elections and her own daughters' positive experiences in school.

Resources from this episode:

Article 1: 

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/11/28/brevard-schools-chairman-sheriff-promise-discipline-crackdown-with-new-policy/

Article 2:

Torres: Trying to get why school board removed book that doesn't violate the law.
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/09/01/why-was-manga-book-ban-removed-from-brevard-schools-for-no-real-reason-school-board/74999231007/

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In this episode Karen sits down and talks with Kerri Keck. Kerri is a candidate for state house district 26 in Oklahoma, discusses the importance of supporting schools and educators. She criticizes the current state superintendent of education for attacking schools and promoting divisive policies. Kerri emphasizes the need for a strong education system to ensure a functioning democratic society. She also highlights the importance of non-partisanship and working together to find solutions. Kerri, a veteran and member of the Cherokee Nation, shares her commitment to serving her community and being a voice for those who may not have one. She encourages more people from diverse backgrounds to run for office and make a difference.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Supporting schools and educators is crucial for a functioning democratic society.
• The current state superintendent of education in Oklahoma is criticized for attacking schools and promoting divisive policies.
• Non-partisanship and working together are essential for finding solutions and representing all constituents.
• More people from diverse backgrounds should run for office to ensure a diverse and inclusive representation.

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In this episode Karen sits down and talks with Dr. Jake Newsome. He discusses his book 'Pink Triangle Legacies' and the history of LGBTQ victims during the Holocaust. He explores the significance of the pink triangle symbol and the erasure of LGBTQ history in the post-Holocaust period. Dr. Newsome emphasizes the importance of honoring and preserving the memory of LGBTQ victims and confronting homophobia and transphobia today. The conversation also touches on the Institute for Sexual Science, the targeting of LGBTQ individuals by the Nazis, and the destruction of LGBTQ literature and artifacts.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• The pink triangle was a symbol used by the Nazis to mark LGBTQ individuals in concentration camps.
• The LGBTQ community in Berlin was vibrant and thriving before the Nazis came to power.
• The Nazis targeted LGBTQ individuals through propaganda, policies, and raids on LGBTQ organizations.
• The Institute for Sexual Science, a pioneering organization advocating for LGBTQ rights, was targeted and its books and artifacts were burned by the Nazis.
• It is important to honor and preserve the memory of LGBTQ victims and to confront homophobia and transphobia in the present day.

Resources from the episode:
Nazi Book Burning: https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2017/09/banned-books-e1506700640754.jpg?1506690765

Link to join READOUT: https://givebutter.com/ROVeterans 

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In this episode Karen talks with Arshia Papari and D'Tavia Daniels from Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). They discuss their organization's mission to break down oppressive barriers and empower young people to make change and inspire policy in Texas. They emphasize the importance of developing transferable skills and providing a seat at the table for youth in decision-making processes. The conversation covers initiatives such as addressing internet filter policies in schools, advocating for gun violence prevention and education, and promoting mental health resources. They also discuss the reception of their initiatives at the federal level and express their excitement for the upcoming school year and increased youth engagement in politics.

Conversation Highlights:

• SEAT aims to break down oppressive barriers and empower young people to make change and inspire policy in Texas.
• Developing transferable skills and providing a seat at the table for youth in decision-making processes are core objectives of SEAT.
• SEAT has worked on initiatives such as addressing internet filter policies in schools, advocating for gun violence prevention and education, and promoting mental health resources.
• Their federal initiatives include the Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention Act, the Sammy Toysh Bullying Prevention Act, and the Student Firearm Safety Education Act.
• SEAT has received positive responses from members of Congress for their initiatives and is excited about increased youth engagement in politics.

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In this episode Karen talks with Anna Eskemani, a representative in Florida. They discuss the importance of defending public education and the threats posed by the privatization of schools. Anna emphasizes that public education is the ultimate equalizer and plays a crucial role in building a strong democracy. Anna highlights the profit motive behind privatization and the influence of corporate contributions on politicians. She also discusses the impact on children with disabilities and the lack of accountability in charter schools. 

Conversation Highlights:

• Public education is the ultimate equalizer and plays a crucial role in building a strong democracy.
• The privatization of public education threatens the quality and accessibility of education, as well as the rights of students with disabilities.
• Profit motive and corporate contributions drive the push for privatization, leading to a lack of accountability in charter schools.
• Defending public education requires advocating for adequate funding, teacher support, and inclusive policies.
• Anna Eskemani highlights the importance of informed decision-making and the need for greater awareness about the differences between public and private schools.

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In this episode Karen sits down with Ellen Hopkins, New York TImes bestselling young adult author and the most banned author in the United States. Ellen discusses the epidemic of book bans and the larger movement to weaken the public school education system.

She emphasizes the importance of a solid public school education and the need for enough teachers to teach five days a week. Hopkins also talks about her own experiences as a banned author and the efforts to remove her books from schools in Utah.

She encourages writers to tell stories that matter to them and not to self-censor. Hopkins looks forward to connecting with young people during her upcoming book tour.

Episode Key Takeaways:

• Book bans are part of a larger movement to weaken the public school education system.
• A solid public school education is important, and there should be enough teachers to teach five days a week.
• Writers should tell stories that matter to them and not self-censor.
• Connecting with young people during school visits is a rewarding and inspiring experience for authors.

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In this episode Karen talks with Maurice Cunningham, author of the book 'Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization.' They discuss the influence of dark money in the push for school privatization and the role of organizations like Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education. They highlight the need for transparency in funding and the dangers of privatizing public education. The conversation also touches on the Council for National Policy's agenda to replace public education with free market schools and the importance of grassroots efforts to counter these influences.

Key Conversation Takeaways:

• Dark money plays a significant role in the push for school privatization, with wealthy individuals and organizations funding advocacy groups like Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education.
• Transparency in funding is crucial to understanding the motives and interests behind these organizations and their efforts to privatize public education.
• The Council for National Policy has a clear agenda to replace public education with free market schools, religious schools, and homeschooling.
• Grassroots efforts, including community groups, religious organizations, unions, and educators, are essential in countering the influence of dark money and protecting public education.

Link to Maurice's book 👉 Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization

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In this episode Karen sits down with Jesse Hagopian, an educator and activist. He shares his experiences and insights on the education system and the fight against book bans and censorship. He discusses the lack of resources and support for black and brown students, highlighting the stark contrast between the government's spending on war and the neglect of schools. Jesse's personal story of teaching in a crumbling school with a hole in the ceiling showcases the systemic issues faced by marginalized communities. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing problem of segregation and the importance of advocating for equitable education.

They also discuss the Zinn Education Project, an organization that creates curriculum from the perspective of those who have been marginalized in history. They aim to bring the voices of native people, Black people, and others to the center of the curriculum. The organization has over 160,000 registered teachers who use their free downloadable People's History Lessons. They recently partnered with Defense of Democracy for the Teach the Truth initiative, which involved over 170 teach truth rallies and events across the country. Their conversation also discusses the resistance to protect the education system and the future challenges it may face.

Key Conversation Takeaways:

• The education system lacks resources and support for black and brown students.
• There is a stark contrast between government spending on war and the neglect of schools.
• Segregation and systemic issues persist in the education system.
• Advocacy is crucial for achieving equitable education.
• The Zinn Education Project aims to bring marginalized voices to the center of the curriculum.
• They have over 160,000 registered teachers using their free People's History Lessons.
• The Teach the Truth initiative involved over 170 rallies and events across the country.
• There is a need for resistance to protect the education system from anti-truth laws and censorship.

Additional Resources and Links from the conversation:
Photos of Teach the Truth:
www.njpecoalition.org
https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/map-for-teach-truth-2024/

Info about the felony charges in Florida:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/01/31/florida-hide-books-stop-woke-manatee-county-duval-county-desantis/

Zinn's website:
https://www.zinnedproject.org/

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