Moms for Liberty, a nationwide organization comprising of a minimum of 27 chapters in Pennsylvania, asserts its purpose as a parental rights group striving to empower parents with increased involvement in their children’s education. But according to those who track extremism and hate groups, the label of “parental rights group” is disputed. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a well-known organization that monitors hate groups, categorizes Moms for Liberty as an extremist anti-government group. The Anti-Defamation League has also raised alarm over the group’s associations with hate groups and promotion of homophobic conspiracy theories tied to anti-LGBTQ harassment and violence.[0]
Since its founding in 2021, Moms for Liberty has been involved in various controversial activities. They have protested mask mandates in schools and pushed to remove books or curriculum centered on LGBTQ identity, race, and racism. The SPLC states that Moms for Liberty is a far-right organization that engages in anti-student inclusion activities, opposes LGBTQ+ and racially inclusive school curriculum, and has advocated for book bans.
Although Moms for Liberty portrays itself as a grassroots movement focused on parental rights, investigations by VICE News have revealed that it is an astroturf movement with deep ties to far-right Christian organizations and the GOP establishment. The group has been accused of harassing and attacking school board members, parents, and students who oppose their book ban campaigns and efforts to undermine LGBTQ protections. They have even succeeded in getting their own members elected to school board positions to further their far-right goals.[1] The group’s close ties to extremist organizations, notably the Proud Boys, have also been uncovered.[1]
Moms for Liberty’s controversial actions and associations have not gone unnoticed. Last week, an Indiana chapter of the organization released a newsletter that prominently featured a quote by Adolf Hitler.[2] After initially defending the quote, the group faced backlash and eventually apologized for using the Nazi leader’s words in its messaging.[3]
The organization’s conference held at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia has also faced protests and condemnation. Several groups of historians, including the Organization of American Historians and the Committee on L.G.B.T.Q.[4] History, have spoken out against the conference being held at the museum. LGBTQ advocates have called on the Philadelphia Marriott, which is hosting the event, to cancel it.[5] Demonstrations have taken place outside the summit, with protesters denouncing Moms for Liberty’s opposition to LGBTQ education and civil rights.[5]
Despite the controversies and protests, Moms for Liberty has gained significant attention and support from right-wing politicians. Former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and other GOP presidential hopefuls are scheduled to speak at the conference.[6] North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, known for his far-right views on abortion and LGBTQ rights, will also be in attendance.[1]
The rise of Moms for Liberty highlights the polarized state of education politics and the veneration with which the group is regarded by conservatives.[7] What started as a relatively unknown organization just a few years ago now boasts over 100,000 members across 44 states.[7] While they claim to advocate for parental rights, their actions and associations have raised concerns about their true agenda and the impact they may have on education and marginalized communities.
0. “Protestors greet Moms for Liberty with banned book giveaways and dance parties” PhillyVoice.com, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.phillyvoice.com/moms-for-liberty-philly-protests-signs-protestors/
1. “The GOP Is Lining Up to Pay Homage to America’s Newest Extremist Group, Moms for Liberty” VICE, 29 Jun. 2023, https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3a3w/moms-for-liberty-summit-ron-desantis-trump
2. “Moms for Liberty in Philadelphia: Protest plans, backstory, everything we know” Billy Penn, 27 Jun. 2023, https://billypenn.com/2023/06/27/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-summit-protests-planned/
3. “Moms for Liberty’s Conference Infiltrated by Activists Calling Out Its Hate” Advocate.com, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.advocate.com/news/moms-for-liberty-agenda-pac
4. “Museum of American Revolution, Hosting Moms for Liberty, Vandalized” Daily Signal, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/06/29/museum-of-american-revolution-hosting-moms-for-liberty-vandalized/
5. “More groups of historians denounce Moms for Liberty event at Museum of the American Revolution” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 26 Jun. 2023, https://www.inquirer.com/news/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-musuem-american-revolution-historian-groups-20230626.html
6. “Moms for Liberty will feature KrisAnne Hall, an Oath Keepers militia member who spoke at a pro-Confederate conference” Media Matters for America, 28 Jun. 2023, https://www.mediamatters.org/moms-liberty/moms-liberty-will-feature-krisanne-hall-oath-keepers-militia-member-who-spoke-pro
7. “How Moms for Liberty became an influential force in the GOP” The Washington Post, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-republican-candidates-president/
