Laney Hawes, a fed-up mother with children in Keller ISD, has a simple wish: make school board meetings boring again. Next month, voters can select who represents them on city councils and school boards. Most Texans don’t bother with municipal elections. Republicans figured that out and have won majorities on at least four North Texas school boards, including Keller ISD. Conservatives are now capitalizing on their wins, by reviewing and removing some books from school libraries, along with other policy changes. The popular children’s book series “Dog Man and Cat Kid” has even been pulled from some shelves. Y’all-itics first told you about this effort in February 2022. Fast forward to this episode and now, Laney Hawes and other parents are fighting back against the conservative changes. Their grassroots effort includes recruiting and supporting new candidates to run for school boards. But it’s a tough effort since many of those races have devolved into brutal partisan politics. Most importantly, they say their goal is to increase voter turnout. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons met Laney at Odd Muse Brewery in Farmer's Branch to hear about the price she’s paid for speaking out; from being called a “library porn apologist,” to doxing and physical threats. But Hawes says she’s no villain, just a moderate mom looking out for her kids and the community.

GUEST

Laney Hawes, Keller ISD Families for Public Education

LOCATION

Odd Muse Brewing, Farmer's Branch, TX

BEER SELECTION:

WHITELY: Ombibulous, Pre-Prohibition Pilsner, 4%

WHEELER: Opulence (We Has It) Imperial Stout, 9%