Defense of Democracy Podcast
Friends. Allies. Americans. Folks taking small steps towards big change. The Defense of Democracy podcast tells their stories. Hosted by Karen Svoboda.
Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life passionately committed to nonpartisanship. We welcome anyone who is interested in protecting their fellow Americans - in particular those in marginalized communities - from oppression.
We advocate for legislators, educators, and administrators who will work to maintain communities as well as a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, or sexual orientation.
Find out more: https://defenseofdemocracy.org/
Podcast produced by the Volunteers of Defense of Democracy
Defense of Democracy Podcast
Censorship, Challenges, and Chaos: The Rising Tide of Education Activism in Florida
In this episode Karen talks with Brevard County school district activists, Amy and Kelly. The discussion delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of education in Brevard County, offering critical insights into its historical context, the rise of the Moms for Liberty, and recent challenges related to book bans within the district.
Karen and her guests explore how these challenges have affected students, families, and the overall school environment. They also dive into the concerning trend of anonymous book challenges and the potential chilling effect this can have on academic freedom and intellectual exploration.
Legal challenges and the involvement of organizations like the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) are also a focal point of the conversation. Amy and Kelly provide insights into the legal battles that have arisen from the controversies in Brevard County and discuss the broader implications for educational policy and practice.
Moreover, their conversation draws attention to the distinction between K-12 education reform and advocacy in higher education, highlighting the unique challenges and strategies at play in both spheres.
The conversation concludes with a look at the ongoing actions and advocacy efforts taking place in Brevard County, underscoring the enduring commitment of individuals like Amy and Kelly to defend democratic principles in education.
Don't miss this engaging and informative episode that provides a comprehensive overview of the educational battleground in Brevard County and the passionate activists working to protect its future.
The meeting discussed in this episode has been linked below:Brevard Public Schools - School Board Work Session 6/6/2023
2:37:00 - Committee Starts
2:41:00 - Matt Susin threatens to remove all Penguin Random House books
3:02:00 Matt Susin threatening Amy because of her TikToks
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