Defense of Democracy Podcast

In this episode Karen speaks with Angie Hayden from Read Freely Alabama about the grassroots efforts to combat book bans and protect LGBTQ-inclusive literature in Alabama's libraries. They discuss the challenges posed by extremist groups, the importance of consent education, and the legislative threats facing libraries. Despite the difficulties, Angie shares a hopeful outlook on the growing community support and the diverse coalition forming to defend public education and civil rights.

Conversation Highlights:

• Read Freely Alabama started as a grassroots organization in response to book bans.
• The group faced significant opposition from politically-backed extremist organizations.
• Library staff faced threats and harassment during the book banning efforts.
• Legislative measures are being proposed that could criminalize librarians for not removing certain books.
• Community support has grown, with over 3,000 members joining the fight.
• The fight against book bans is seen as a David and Goliath situation in a red state.
• Consent education is being targeted by those opposing LGBTQ-inclusive materials.
• The movement has united people across various political and religious backgrounds.
• Extremism in education is a growing concern, impacting marginalized communities.
• There is hope for the future as more people recognize the importance of defending public education.

Resources:
Read Freely Alabama website: https://www.readfreelyalabama.org/

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In this episode Karen and a panel of volunteers reflect on their emotions and experiences following the recent election. They discuss the impact of misinformation, the importance of grassroots activism, and the need for community engagement to protect democracy. The conversation emphasizes resilience, the necessity of turning anger into action, and the power of collective efforts in the face of adversity. Each participant shares personal stories and insights, culminating in a message of hope and the call to mobilize for change.

Conversation Highlights:

• The election results have left many feeling disappointed and angry.
• Grassroots activism is essential for protecting democracy.
• Misinformation played a significant role in the election outcomes.
• Community engagement can help combat feelings of despair.
• It's important to process emotions but also to take action.
• History shows that resilience can lead to change.
• Local fights can be won even after national losses.
• Support and connection among activists are crucial during tough times.
• Finding joy in small moments can help sustain motivation.
• Mobilizing anger into productive action is necessary for progress.

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In this episode Karen welcomes James Haslam and Glenn Harris from Race Forward to discuss the critical role of public education in fostering a just, multiracial democracy. They explore the challenges facing public education, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of the Heal Together toolkit. The conversation emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing and the collective responsibility of communities to advocate for strong public schools. As the podcast approaches an election, the speakers share their hopes for the future and the importance of continued activism.

Conversation Highlights:

• Public education is essential for practicing democracy.
• Racial justice is integral to achieving true democracy.
• Community engagement is vital for strong public schools.
• The Heal Together toolkit empowers local stakeholders.
• Strong public schools contribute to thriving neighborhoods.
• Public education serves the collective good, not just individuals.
• Grassroots organizing is crucial in the face of challenges.
• Upcoming elections will significantly impact public education.
• Building a just multiracial democracy requires local action.
• Hope lies in community collaboration and activism.

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In this episode, Karen talks with Tiffany Van Der Hyde from People for Education about how her organization helps recruit and support candidates for school board elections. Tiffany explains their focus on three main areas: candidate support, school board development, and community advocacy. They provide campaign tools, training, and ongoing resources for both new and sitting school board members.

The conversation highlights challenges in school board races, such as book bans and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, which have created a difficult environment for candidates. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of local elections in pushing back against efforts to defund public schools. She shares success stories from the 2023 elections, where they achieved a 75% win rate and flipped nine school board seats. Key areas for future focus include Virginia Beach and Richmond, where advocacy for public education is especially needed.

Conversation Highlights:

• Recruitment challenges due to hostility in school board races.
• How People for Education supports candidates with campaign logistics (e.g., website development, digital ads, mailers).
• Book bans and their financial impact on Virginia Beach taxpayers.
• Success stories, including a 75% win rate in 2023 elections and flipping nine school board seats.
• The role of local volunteers and partners in promoting public education-friendly candidates.
• Spotlight on Virginia Beach and Richmond as key areas for 2024 school board races.

Resources:
People for Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleforeducation/ 

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In this episode Karen sits down with River Gassen and she discusses her motivations for running for office in Colorado, focusing on the impact of Roe v. Wade on women's health, her personal experiences with gun violence, and the need for better education and childcare systems. She emphasizes the importance of having more educators in politics and advocates for stricter gun legislation to protect youth. River also shares the challenges she faces in her campaign and expresses hope for positive change in her community.

Key Conversation Takeaways:

• River Gassen is motivated to run for office due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
• She believes more educators should represent the public in politics.
• Gassen has a background in education, teaching astronomy and solar energy labs.
• Gun violence has personally affected her and her community.
• She advocates for stricter gun laws, especially for teenagers.
• Gassen supports universal preschool and affordable childcare programs.
• She emphasizes the importance of early childhood education for economic stability.
• The political landscape in Colorado Springs is shifting towards progressivism.
• Gassen acknowledges the challenges of running against a long-standing Republican incumbent.
• She is committed to continuing her advocacy regardless of the election outcome.

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In this episode Karen speaks with Samantha Meadows, a candidate running for office in Ohio. They discuss the challenges facing public education in Ohio, particularly in impoverished areas, and the impact of underfunding on schools. Samantha shares her personal experiences and background, emphasizing the importance of compassion in politics and community engagement. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between Samantha's values and those of her opponent, who advocates for dismantling the Department of Education. The episode concludes with a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Key Conversation Takeaways:

• Samantha Meadows is running for office in Ohio, focusing on education.
• Ohio has some of the most impoverished counties affecting education.
• Underfunding leads to a cycle of failure in public education.
• Compassion is crucial in political discourse and decision-making.
• Samantha's background in community service shapes her political views.
• The current political climate poses challenges to public education.
• Samantha emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement.
• There is a stark contrast between Samantha and her opponent's views on education.
• Samantha believes in the resilience of her community despite challenges.
• Hope and joy are essential in overcoming political adversity.

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In this episode, Karen sits down with Lyndsie Wall, a state director for Defense of Democracy. They discuss the challenges faced by the public school system in Ohio, particularly regarding the censorship of books. Lyndsie shares her personal experience with Moms for Liberty, a group that has been attacking books and educators in her community. They also discuss a recent compromise that was reached in Lyndsie's school district, which allows parents to have more control over their child's reading material. Lyndsie expresses her excitement for the upcoming school year and her commitment to fighting for the rights of all students.

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In this episode Karen talks with Jennifer Jenkins, a school board member who has been at the forefront in the fight against Moms for Liberty. 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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