Several parental rights groups, including Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education, have been recently labeled as extremist organizations by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). This designation has sparked outrage among House Republicans, who introduced a resolution condemning the SPLC's actions. They argue that parents advocating for their children's education are not hateful and should not be equated with extremist groups.
Representative Lisa McClain, a key figure behind the resolution, expressed her disapproval, stating that it's unacceptable for organizations like Moms for Liberty to be branded as hateful. She emphasized the importance of parents having a voice in their children's education and criticized the SPLC for attempting to silence them.
Jennifer Pippin, president of the Indian River County chapter of Moms for Liberty, attends a campaign event in Vero Beach, Florida.
Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, echoed McClain's sentiments, expressing gratitude for the resolution and hoping for further support. The SPLC's 2022 report criticizes parental rights groups for opposing inclusive curricula that address race, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ identities. However, the resolution defends these groups, asserting that it is not hateful to question the appropriateness of certain topics for young children.
The resolution underscores the importance of parental involvement in children's education.
The resolution further argues that it's not hateful to advocate for sex-segregated sports or to question the introduction of gender ideology to young children. Neily also called for an investigation into potential links between the Biden administration and the SPLC, raising concerns about the timing of the "hate map" update.
A sign at the inaugural Moms For Liberty summit.
Several Republican representatives have co-sponsored the resolution. The SPLC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
