Ron DeSantis faced strong opposition from progressive candidates who accused them of pushing harmful and divisive policies in schools.
Overall, Moms for Liberty continues to be a prominent voice in the conservative parents’ rights movement, advocating for policies that prioritize parental rights and traditional values in education.
Former President Donald Trump recently spoke at the national summit of Moms for Liberty, a conservative parents’ rights organization, where he did not prioritize education or K-12 schools in his conversation with co-founder Tiffany Justice. The hour-long conversation focused more on Trump’s personal history in reality television and immigration, issues central to his campaign but not to Moms for Liberty. However, Trump did affirm his commitment to conservative parents’ rights policies, criticizing some school boards as operating like “dictatorships.”
In one of his few mentions of education, Trump expressed concerns about students in the country illegally “overrunning” classrooms and making them less safe. He also criticized schools for allowing transgender students to play sports aligning with their gender identity, suggesting schools are facilitating students’ gender transitions. While there is no evidence of schools providing gender-affirming medical care, Trump’s comments reflect his focus on immigration, foreign policy, and the economy in his 2024 campaign.
The summit also followed controversy surrounding Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, who criticized American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten for not having children. Weingarten responded, emphasizing the importance of educators nurturing students without political attacks in classrooms.
Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded its political influence by endorsing conservative school board candidates, contesting pandemic precautions, and advocating against what it calls “woke” indoctrination in schools. The organization has been involved in lawsuits against the Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite and has seen success in electing conservative candidates, though facing challenges from progressive candidates in hotly contested elections.
Overall, Moms for Liberty remains a significant voice in the conservative parents’ rights movement, advocating for policies that prioritize parental rights and traditional values in education. Trump’s remarks at the summit reflect broader concerns and debates surrounding education and parental rights in the current political landscape. Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, faced a setback in several races that were endorsed by the organization. According to reports from the Associated Press and Politico, DeSantis lost in many of the school board elections that the organization had supported.
The organization, Moms for Liberty, had been actively endorsing candidates who supported parental rights and conservative values in education. However, despite their efforts, DeSantis and the endorsed candidates did not secure victories in the recent school board elections.
In a recent event where DeSantis and former President Donald Trump were asked to offer advice to parents considering running for public office, Trump bluntly advised against it, saying, “Don’t do it.” This statement comes as a surprise, considering the close relationship between DeSantis and Trump.
The results of the school board elections have raised questions about the effectiveness of endorsements from high-profile figures like DeSantis and Trump. It also highlights the challenges faced by conservative candidates in local elections, where issues like education and parental rights are hotly debated.
Despite the setbacks in the recent races, DeSantis remains a prominent figure in Florida politics and is likely to continue his efforts to support conservative values in education and other policy areas. The outcome of the school board elections serves as a reminder of the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement in local politics.
Overall, the results of the school board elections signal a need for reflection and strategizing among conservative leaders and organizations like Moms for Liberty. Moving forward, it will be crucial for DeSantis and other conservative figures to reassess their approach to endorsing candidates and engaging with local communities to ensure success in future elections.
