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Sunday, September 24, 2023

YOU CAN'T SWING A DEAD CAT WITHOUT HITTING A RIGHT WING KOCH NETWORK ASTROTURF FRONT GROUP

YOU CAN'T SWING A DEAD CAT WITHOUT HITTING A RIGHT WING KOCH NETWORK ASTROTURF FRONT GROUP

Have you ever tried swinging a dead cat? Not that I recommend it, but apparently it's quite difficult to do without hitting a right wing astroturf front group. And if you're not careful, you might just find yourself partnered with the likes of the Koch brothers and the voucher vultures of public education.

According to a 2016 report by Media Matters, the education reform movement is being backed by a tangled web of corporations and right-wing funders. It's like a game of six degrees of separation, only instead of Kevin Bacon, we're talking about the destruction of public education.

So who are these funders and what are they up to? Let's take a closer look.

First up, we have the Walton Family Foundation. Yes, that's the same Walton family that owns Walmart and has more money than some small countries. They've poured millions of dollars into education reform efforts, including charter schools and vouchers. Because nothing says "I care about education" like supporting a company that pays its employees poverty wages.

Next on the list is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. You know, the ones who brought you Windows Vista. They've spent billions on education reform, with a particular focus on Common Core standards. Because what better way to improve education than with a one-size-fits-all approach that's been widely criticized by teachers and parents alike?

And let's not forget about the Koch brothers. These two are like the Voldemort of American politics - everyone knows their name, but no one wants to say it out loud. They've been funding right-wing causes for decades, and education reform is no exception. They've poured millions into groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has been pushing for privatization of public education for years.

But it's not just billionaires who are getting in on the action. There are plenty of smaller right-wing groups that are doing their part to dismantle public education. Take the Heartland Institute, for example. They're a "think tank" (and I use that term loosely) that denies climate change and promotes school vouchers. Because nothing says "I'm an expert on education policy" like denying basic scientific facts.

Then there's StudentsFirst, founded by former DC schools chancellor Michelle Rhee. They claim to be all about improving education for students, but their real goal seems to be busting teachers unions and promoting charter schools. Because what better way to improve education than by pitting teachers against each other in a race to the bottom?

And let's not forget about the American Federation for Children, which was founded by none other than Betsy DeVos. You know, the same Betsy DeVos who was somehow put in charge of the Department of Education despite having zero experience in public education. They're all about promoting school vouchers and privatization, because apparently the best way to fix public schools is to starve them of funding.

So there you have it - a brief overview of the corporations and right-wing funders behind the education reform movement. It's a tangled web of advocacy, research, media, and profiteering that's taking over public education. But don't worry, folks - I'm sure everything will turn out just fine. After all, what could possibly go wrong when you put billionaires in charge of our kids' futures?

Who is Behind the Attacks on Educators and Public Schools? https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/who-behind-attacks-educators-and-public-schools

The Aristocrats Funding the Critical Race Theory ‘Backlash’ https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-aristocrats-fund-critical-race-theory-backlash

'Held hostage': How critical race theory moved from Fox News to school boards https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/critical-race-theory-invades-school-boards-help-conservative-groups-n1270794 via @nbcnews

Who’s behind the nationwide attacks on local school boards over Critical Race Theory? – Baptist News Global https://baptistnews.com/article/whos-behind-the-nationwide-attacks-on-local-school-boards-over-critical-race-theory/ 

Moms for Liberty New Hampshire offered a $500 reward for reporting teachers who break critical race theory law - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/19/moms-for-liberty-new-hampshire/ 

Mapping the Movement to Dismantle Public Education https://jacobin.com/2018/06/public-education-privatization-koch-brothers-teachers/


THE DEFT DIVE 

FROM MEDIA MATTERS

Below, we outline the many overlapping connections in this echo chamber of advocacy groups, think tanks, and media outlets that are increasingly funded by a handful of conservative billionaires and for-profit education companies -- often without proper disclosure. These groups are driving the education privatization movement forward by co-opting the education reform mantle.

Table Of Contents

ADVOCACY

MEDIA

PHILANTHROPY

CORPORATIONS

THINK TANKS

Read more about our methodology here.

https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement


FROM BING AI

The Koch-backed groups and their sources of funding. Here is a summary of what I found:

  • - The **Independent Women's Forum (IWF)** and its affiliate, the **Independent Women's Voice (IWV)**, are conservative groups that market themselves as "non-partisan" and "independent", but they are actually funded by Koch-linked donors and push right-wing policies that harm women and their families¹. They also help ALEC legislators sell corporate-backed alternatives to popular policies like paid sick leave, equal pay, and quality childcare¹.
  • - The **State Policy Network (SPN)** is a network of 66 think tanks in 49 states that promote free-market policies and oppose regulations, unions, environmental protections, and social welfare programs. SPN is also funded by Koch-linked donors, such as the Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund, which funnel money from anonymous sources to conservative causes³⁴.
  • - The **Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity** is a media organization that operates Watchdog.org, a network of state-based websites that produce pro-free-market news stories and attack government spending, regulations, and unions. The Franklin Center is also funded by Koch-linked donors, such as the Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund⁴.
  • - **Moms for Liberty** is a grassroots organization that opposes mask mandates, critical race theory, and public health measures in schools. It was founded by former leaders of the Tea Party Patriots, a conservative group that received funding from Koch-backed groups like Americans for Prosperity.
  • - **Parents Defending Education** is another grassroots organization that opposes critical race theory, diversity training, and anti-racism education in schools. It was founded by Nicole Neily, a former employee of the Independent Women's Forum and the State Policy Network.
  • - **No Left Turn in Education** is a similar grassroots organization that opposes critical race theory and progressive education in schools. It was founded by Elana Yaron Fishbein, a former social worker who was inspired by Tucker Carlson's Fox News show.
  • - **National School Choice Week** is an annual event that promotes charter schools, vouchers, and other alternatives to public education. It is funded by Koch-linked donors, such as the Walton Family Foundation, the DeVos Family Foundation, and the Gleason Family Foundation.

Bing, 9/20/2023

  • (1) The Koch-Backed and Not-So-Independent 'Independent Women's Forum'. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/18/koch-backed-and-not-so-independent-independent-womens-forum.
  • (2) Report: Think tanks tied to Kochs - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/koch-brothers-think-tank-report-099791.
  • (3) Koch Family Foundations - SourceWatch. https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Koch_Family_Foundations.
  • (4) Independent Women’s Forum, backed by Koch funding, circulates draft .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/10/01/masks-schools-koch-money/.


Other Koch-backed groups that are involved with education and policy. According to the web search results, some of them are:

  • - The **Cato Institute**, a libertarian think tank that advocates for school choice, vouchers, charter schools, and homeschooling¹⁴.
  • - The **Mercatus Center** at George Mason University, a research center that promotes free-market policies and deregulation in education and other sectors⁴.
  • - The **American Federation for Children** and its affiliate, the **Alliance for School Choice**, two groups that lobby for vouchers, tax credits, and other forms of public funding for private schools².
  • - The **American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, a network of conservative lawmakers and corporate interests that drafts and promotes model legislation on various issues, including education privatization².
Bing, 9/20/2023
  • (1) How the Kochs are trying to shake up public schools, one state at a .... https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/30/kochs-public-schools-shakeup-244259.
  • (2) Political activities of the Koch brothers - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers.
  • (3) Here Are The Corporations And Right-Wing Funders Backing The Education .... https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement.
  • (4) Mapping the Movement to Dismantle Public Education - Jacobin. https://jacobin.com/2018/06/public-education-privatization-koch-brothers-teachers/.

According to the web search results, 50CAN (STUDENTSFIRST) is a network of state-based education advocacy groups that promote policies such as school choice, charter schools, vouchers, and teacher accountability. It was formed in 2016 by the merger of two Koch-backed groups: StudentsFirst, founded by former D.C. schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, and 50 State Campaign for Achievement Now (50CAN), which itself was an offshoot of another Koch-backed group, ConnCAN¹⁴. Some of the funders of 50CAN (STUDENTSFIRST) include the Walton Family Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Broad Foundation, and the Arnold Foundation²³.

Education organizations funded by the Koch network are:
  • - The **Cato Institute**, a libertarian think tank that advocates for school choice, vouchers, charter schools, and homeschooling .
  • - The **Mercatus Center** at George Mason University, a research center that promotes free-market policies and deregulation in education and other sectors.
  • - The **American Federation for Children** and its affiliate, the **Alliance for School Choice**, two groups that lobby for vouchers, tax credits, and other forms of public funding for private schools.
  • - The **American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, a network of conservative lawmakers and corporate interests that drafts and promotes model legislation on various issues, including education privatization.
 Bing, 9/20/2023
  • (1) Here Are The Corporations And Right-Wing Funders Backing The Education .... https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement.
  • (2) The Well-Funded Echo Chamber That's Attacking Public Education. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/well-funded-echo-chamber-thats-attacking-public-education.
  • (3) 50CAN President Derrell Bradford Testifies at the US Capitol. https://50can.org/.
  • (4) 50CAN - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50CAN.

Organizations that favor privatization of public education and are supported by wealthy foundations and people. Here are some examples:

  • - The **American Federation for Children** is an organization that promotes alternatives to public education, such as charter schools, vouchers, and tax credits. It was once headed by former education secretary **Betsy DeVos**, who is a billionaire and a prominent supporter of school choice²³.
  • - The **Goldwater Institute** is a conservative think tank that advocates for school choice, vouchers, and tax credits. It is funded by several right-wing foundations, such as the **Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation**, the **DonorsTrust**, and the **Charles Koch Foundation**¹⁴.
  • - The **Walton Family Foundation** is the philanthropic arm of the Walmart family, which is one of the richest families in the world. It has funded charter schools, vouchers, and advocacy groups that favor privatization of public education. It has also supported media outlets that promote its agenda, such as **The 74** and **Education Next**¹³.

Bing, 9/20/2023

  • (1) Privatization of public education gaining ground -- report - The .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/04/18/privatization-of-public-education-gaining-ground/.
  • (2) Got Dough? How Billionaires Rule Our Schools - Dissent Magazine. https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/got-dough-how-billionaires-rule-our-schools/.
  • (3) Here Are The Corporations And Right-Wing Funders Backing The Education .... https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement.
  • (4) Texas politicians rake in millions from far-right Christian megadonors .... https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-politicians-far-right-christian-megadonors-rcna55546.


FROM BARD AI 

The following are sources of funding for Koch-backed groups:

  • * **Koch Industries:** The Koch brothers' private company is the largest source of funding for their political network. In 2022, Koch Industries donated $25 million to Americans for Prosperity Action, a super PAC that supports conservative candidates and causes.
  • * **Stand Together Foundation:** A non-profit organization founded by Charles Koch, Stand Together funds a variety of groups working on issues such as criminal justice reform, education, and economic development. In 2022, Stand Together gave $25 million to Americans for Prosperity Action.
  • * **Other donors:** The Koch network also includes a number of other wealthy donors, such as Betsy DeVos and Richard Scaife. In 2022, these donors gave millions of dollars to Koch-backed groups.

Here is a more detailed look at the funding of some of the specific Koch-backed groups you mentioned:

  • * **Independent Women's Forum:** The Independent Women's Forum is a conservative women's policy group that receives funding from a variety of sources, including Koch Industries, Stand Together, and the Walton Family Foundation.
  • * **State Policy Network:** The State Policy Network is a network of conservative think tanks that receives funding from Koch Industries, Stand Together, and other donors.
  • * **Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity:** The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity is a conservative think tank that receives funding from Koch Industries, Stand Together, and other donors.
  • * **Moms for Liberty:** Moms for Liberty is a conservative parents' rights group that receives funding from Koch Industries and other donors.
  • * **Parents Defending Education:** Parents Defending Education is a conservative parents' rights group that receives funding from Koch Industries and other donors.
  • * **No Left Turn in Education:** No Left Turn in Education is a conservative education advocacy group that receives funding from Koch Industries and other donors.
  • * **National School Choice Week:** National School Choice Week is a national event that promotes school choice. It is funded by a variety of sources, including Koch Industries, Stand Together, and other donors.

It is important to note that Koch-backed groups often do not disclose their donors, so it is difficult to get a complete picture of their funding sources. However, the available evidence suggests that the Koch brothers and their network of donors are the primary sources of funding for these groups.

## Koch-backed groups' influence on education policy

Koch-backed groups have been influential in shaping education policy in the United States. For example, they have supported policies such as charter schools, school vouchers, and tax breaks for private schools. They have also opposed policies such as teachers unions, common core standards, and increased regulation of charter schools.

Koch-backed groups have also been involved in a number of controversies related to education policy. For example, the Independent Women's Forum has been criticized for its opposition to common core standards, and Moms for Liberty has been criticized for its support for book bans in schools.

Overall, Koch-backed groups play a significant role in shaping education policy in the United States. Their influence is likely to continue to grow in the years to come.

50CAN (StudentsFirst) is a network of state-specific education organizations that advocate for charter schools, school vouchers, and other school choice policies. It is funded by a variety of sources, including the Koch network.

Education organizations funded by the Koch network include:

  • * **Center for Education Reform**
  • * **Education Action Strategies**
  • * **Empowerment PAC**
  • * **Foundation for Excellence in Education**
  • * **Independent Women's Forum**
  • * **Moms for Liberty**
  • * **No Left Turn in Education**
  • * **Parents Defending Education**
  • * **State Policy Network**

These organizations work to influence education policy at the state and local level. They often lobby for legislation that supports school choice policies and opposes policies that they see as harmful to school choice, such as teachers unions and common core standards.

The Koch network's involvement in education policy has been controversial. Critics argue that the Koch brothers are trying to privatize public education and that their support for school choice policies is harmful to students. Supporters of the Koch network argue that their support for school choice is necessary to improve education quality and that they are simply trying to give parents more options for their children's education.

Here are some examples of how Koch-backed education organizations have influenced education policy:

  • * In 2011, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative think tank that receives funding from the Koch network, drafted a model bill that would have created a system of school vouchers in Michigan. The bill was passed by the Michigan legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder.
  • * In 2013, the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a Koch-backed education advocacy group, launched a campaign to oppose the Common Core State Standards. The campaign was successful in convincing a number of states to withdraw from the Common Core.
  • * In 2015, the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity Foundation launched a campaign to support the Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal education law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. The campaign was successful in helping to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act.

The Koch network's influence on education policy is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. The Koch brothers have pledged to invest millions of dollars in education reform, and their network of organizations is already well-established at the state and local level.

Here is a list of organizations that favor privatization of public education that are supported by wealthy foundations and people:
  • * American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
  • * American Federation for Children
  • * Center for Education Reform
  • * Education Action Strategies
  • * Empowerment PAC
  • * Foundation for Excellence in Education
  • * Independent Women's Forum
  • * Koch Industries
  • * Moms for Liberty
  • * No Left Turn in Education
  • * Parents Defending Education
  • * State Policy Network
  • * StudentsFirst
  • * Walton Family Foundation

These organizations work to influence education policy at the state and local level. They often lobby for legislation that supports school choice policies and opposes policies that they see as harmful to school choice, such as teachers unions and common core standards.

The wealthy foundations and people that support these organizations include:

  • * David Koch
  • * Betsy DeVos
  • * Richard Scaife
  • * Walton Family Foundation

It is important to note that not all organizations that support privatization of public education are front organizations. However, it is important to be aware of the possibility of front organizations, especially when dealing with organizations that are advocating for controversial causes or that are raising money from unknown sources.

## Why do some people support privatization of public education?

There are a number of reasons why some people support privatization of public education. Some people believe that private schools are more efficient and effective than public schools. Others believe that private schools offer parents more choices and that these choices will lead to better outcomes for students. Still others believe that privatization is necessary to reduce the size and cost of government.

## Why do some people oppose privatization of public education?

There are also a number of reasons why some people oppose privatization of public education. Some people believe that privatization will lead to a decrease in the quality of education, especially for low-income students and students of color. Others believe that privatization will increase segregation in schools. Still others believe that privatization is an attempt to undermine public education and that it will ultimately lead to the end of public education as we know it.

## Conclusion

The debate over privatization of public education is a complex and controversial one. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of privatization carefully before making a decision about whether or not to support it.

In the style of Alfred Lord Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade," we present to you "The Charge of the Public School Defenders (Koch voucher front group)."

Half a league, half a league,

Left wingers to the right of me,

Left wingers to the left of me,

Into the valley of death rode the defenders.

 

"Charge!" they yelled, with a gleeful shout,

As they rode their high horses about,

Their mission clear, their purpose true,

To destroy public schools, through and through.

 

First came the Center for Education Reform,

With their slick talking points and fancy reform,

But when it came down to the facts,

Their policies were just a bunch of hacks.

 

Next up, Education Action Strategies,

Promising change, but just spreading fallacies,

Their ideas may sound good on paper,

But in reality, they're just a bunch of capers

 

Empowerment PAC, with their big bucks,

Trying to buy their way into our schools, it sucks,

But money can't buy everything,

Especially not the public's trust, we're not that gullible a thing.

 

Foundation for Excellence in Education,

Sounds great, but it's just another privatization,

Their goal is to make a buck,

Not to help our kids get unstuck.

 

Independent Women's Forum, oh please,

Pushing their agendas with such ease,

But when it comes to public education,

Their ideas are just pure frustration.

 

Moms for Liberty, what a name,

Trying to take away our kids' right to a fair game,

Their ideas are just so narrow-minded,

We'll keep our public schools, thank you kindly.

 

No Left Turn in Education, what a joke,

Trying to make our schools a right-wing bloke,

But we won't let them take control,

Our public schools are for all, not just a certain role.

 

Parents Defending Education, we know what you're up to,

Trying to push your propaganda through,

But we won't let you take away our rights,

Our public schools are worth the fight.

 

State Policy Network, don't even get us started,

With their anti-public school policies that leave us broken-hearted,

They're just another right-wing front group,

Trying to take away our public school troop.

 

And then there's David Koch, Betsy DeVos, Richard Scaife, and the Walton Family Foundation too,

All trying to buy their way into our schools like a bad deja vu,

But we won't let them take away our public education,

Our schools are for all, not just for their privatization.

 

So half a league, half a league,

We'll keep fighting for our public schools with all our might and fatigue,

We won't let them take away our right to an education that's free,

Our public schools are worth defending, can't you see?

 

And though they may charge with all their might and force,

We'll stand strong and steadfast in our course,

For our public schools are worth fighting for,


And we'll defend them until the end, forevermore.


Posted by at

OKLA MAD MAGA MONK SAYS RED DOESN'T WORK FOR HIM IN OKLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OKLA MAD MAGA MONK SAYS RED DOESN'T WORK FOR HIM IN OKLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Oklahoma, the land of red people, where history textbooks have been playing a game of Chinese whispers for far too long. But fear not, my fellow readers, for I, the Disruptor of Mad Maga Monk Rasputin Walters (also known as SSPI of Oklahoma Education), am here to enlighten you with the hilarious absurdity that has been unfolding in our beloved state.

You see, according to the great and mighty Walters, Chinese culture and history, along with Native American and African American culture and history, are no longer deemed worthy of being taught in Oklahoma schools. In fact, Walters insists that nothing but white Christian fairy tales and propaganda should grace the hallowed halls of our educational institutions. It's as if he's taken a page right out of the Parents Defending Education Kock Front Group Manifesto, which is about as reliable as a fortune cookie predicting your future.

Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the irony here. Oklahoma, a word derived from the Choctaw Indian language meaning "red people," has been teaching white Christian fairy tales since statehood. It's like calling a tomato a potato and expecting everyone to just go along with it. But hey, who needs accuracy when you can have a good ol' dose of revisionist history?

But wait, there's more! The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming tribal sovereignty in eastern Oklahoma has thrown a wrench into Walters' grand plan. The ruling confirmed that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation still occupies a distinct reservation and that the state has no role to play in their criminal justice system. This ruling could potentially lead to the rewriting of history textbooks. Oh, the horror! How will Walters cope with the realization that his beloved white Christian fairy tales might have to make room for some actual facts?

In his desperate attempt to divert attention from this inconvenient truth, Superintendent Walters has accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of infiltrating our schools. According to him, the CCP has an "involvement" in our education system. Now, I don't know about you, but I find it hard to believe that the CCP is secretly pulling the strings behind every math lesson and science experiment. But hey, if Walters says it's true, it must be true, right?

Walters even testified before a U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, claiming that a school district had an active connection with the CCP. He specifically pointed fingers at Tulsa Public Schools and their supposed Confucius Classroom program. But guess what? Tulsa Public Schools has denied these allegations faster than you can say "kung pao chicken." It seems like Walters might be seeing Chinese spies where there are none. Maybe he's been watching too many James Bond movies.

But let's not forget about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. For generations, this event was conveniently omitted from Oklahoma public schools. It was like trying to hide an elephant in a room full of blindfolded people. Only in 2002 was it finally added to the state's academic standards, but even then, schools were only required to offer an optional mention of the massacre. Talk about sweeping things under the rug.

Now, you might be wondering why Walters is so fixated on Chinese culture and history while conveniently ignoring the Gulen schools run by Turkish men. Well, my dear readers, that's a mystery even Sherlock Holmes couldn't solve. It seems that Walters has a selective vision when it comes to foreign influence in our schools. Perhaps he's just not a fan of Turkish delight.

In conclusion, my fellow Oklahomans, let us embrace the hilarity that ensues when someone tries to rewrite history with white Christian fairy tales and conspiracy theories. Let us not succumb to the absurdity of it all but instead rise above it with laughter and a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, life is too short to take it all too seriously. So let's keep our sense of humor intact and continue on this wild ride called education in Oklahoma.

Republicans Hold Congressional Hearings on Chinese Influence in American Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2023/09/20/republicans-hold-congressional-hearings-on-chinese-influence-in-american-schools/ via @dianeravitch

Why weren't Black Wall Street, Tulsa Race Massacre taught in schools? https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2021/05/26/oklahoma-history-black-wall-street-left-out-public-schools-tulsa-massacre-education/4875340001/ 

Supreme Court ruling could rewrite history textbooks https://www.choctawnation.com/biskinik/supreme-court-ruling-could-rewrite-history-textbooks/ 

Big Education Ape: OKLAHOMA'S MAD MAGA MONK'S PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST CHINESE CRITICAL RACE THEORY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/oklahomas-mad-maga-monks-preemptive.html

Supt. Walters sends dossier on Chinese ‘involvement in our schools’ to select Republicans | KFOR.com Oklahoma City https://kfor.com/news/local/supt-walters-sends-dossier-on-chinese-involvement-in-our-schools-to-select-republicans/ 

'I HAVE THE RECEIPTS': RYAN WALTERS ON FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN OKLAHOMA EDUCATION https://kfor.com/news/local/supt-walters-sends-dossier-on-chinese-involvement-in-our-schools-to-select-republicans/

Ryan Walters warns House panel: China influencing US schools https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/walters-warns-congress-of-chinese-infiltration-in-american-classrooms/article_6413127e-5706-11ee-9ffe-2733b5427fb1.html

Big Education Ape: OKLA SSPI RYAN WALTERS SAYS TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE LINKED TO CHINESE COMMUNIST https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/okla-sspi-ryan-walters-say-tulsa-public.html 

Hearing Recap: Confucius Classrooms Edition https://mailchi.mp/3d2ce40b7e70/hearing-recap-confucius-classrooms-edition?e=5206975f03 

Big Education Ape: OKLA SSPI RYAN WALTERS TIMES ATTACKS ON TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO INTENTIONALLY DISRUPT THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/okla-sspi-ryan-walters-times-attacks-on.html

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WHO IS PIMPING MAGA VOUCHERS AT THE KOCH NETWORK PLAYERS BALL

 WHO IS PIMPING MAGA VOUCHERS AT THE KOCH NETWORK PLAYERS BALL

In a shocking turn of events, the conservative parent group Moms for Liberty has donated fake pocket Constitutions to Brevard Public Schools. The group, known for their opposition to mask mandates, critical race theory, and other progressive policies, has been caught red-handed trying to indoctrinate innocent children with their right-wing agenda.

The pocket Constitutions, which include an "oath of allegiance" for students to sign and a QR code directing them to a nonprofit's website, were handed out at the Koch Front Organization MAGA Players Ball for the Destruction of Public Schools. Yes, you read that right. The Koch brothers are not only funding politicians, but they're also trying to destroy public education.

But wait, it gets even better. The pocket Constitutions donated by Moms for Liberty are fake. That's right, fake. They contain links to Christian resources and have been criticized for being a violation of the separation of church and state. It's like these people have never even read the real Constitution.

Some people have raised concerns that the donation of the fake pocket Constitutions is a form of religious indoctrination. Others have argued that it's just plain stupid. And we have to agree with them.

But Moms for Liberty has defended the donation, arguing that the fake pocket Constitutions are a valuable educational resource and that they do not violate any laws. Of course, they don't violate any laws. Because they're fake.

The Brevard County School Board has also defended the donation, saying that it meets all legal requirements. We're not sure what legal requirements they're talking about since the pocket Constitutions are fake.

The donation of fake pocket Constitutions by Moms for Liberty has raised a number of questions, including:

  • - Is the donation a form of religious indoctrination?
  • - Does the donation violate the separation of church and state?
  • - Are students required to accept the fake pocket Constitutions or sign the oath of allegiance?
  • - What is the role of outside organizations in donating fake educational materials to public schools?
  • - How can schools ensure that all students have access to a variety of viewpoints on important issues?

The answer to all these questions is simple: don't accept fake pocket Constitutions from right-wing extremist groups.

In addition to the concerns raised above, some people have also expressed concern about the following:

  • - The pocket Constitutions were donated by a partisan political organization.
  • - The pocket Constitutions include an oath of allegiance, which some people believe is inappropriate for public schools.
  • - The QR code on the pocket Constitutions directs students to a website that contains links to Christian resources.

It's like these people don't even care about the real Constitution. They just want to push their own agenda on innocent children.

The 917 Society, the nonprofit organization that provided the fake pocket Constitutions, claims to be nonpartisan but has links to conservative groups and politicians. We're not sure how they can claim to be nonpartisan when they're clearly pushing a right-wing agenda.

The organization has faced criticism from some who question its accuracy, impartiality, and motives. Some accuse the organization of having a conservative bias and agenda, of promoting misinformation and propaganda, of undermining public education and diversity, and of violating the separation of church and state. And we have to agree with them.

Ultimately, it's up to individual parents to decide whether or not they want their children to accept fake pocket Constitutions from right-wing extremist groups. But we have a better idea: let's just stick to the real Constitution and leave the fake stuff to the politicians. After all, they're experts at it.

Delivery of pocket Constitutions to Brevard schools by Moms for Liberty draws questions https://news.yahoo.com/delivery-pocket-constitutions-brevard-schools-090857065.html 


THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BARD AI

Delivery of pocket Constitutions to Brevard schools by Moms for Liberty draws questions

In September 2023, the conservative parents group Moms for Liberty donated 7,200 pocket Constitutions to all Brevard Public Schools middle schools and some private schools in Brevard County, Florida. The donation drew questions from some regarding what is and isn't allowed within public schools.

Moms for Liberty is a national organization that advocates for parental involvement in schools and opposes mask mandates, critical race theory, and other progressive policies. The group has been criticized for its conservative political agenda and its efforts to ban books and other materials from schools.

The pocket Constitutions donated by Moms for Liberty include an "oath of allegiance" for students to sign and a QR code directing them to a nonprofit's website. The website includes information about the Constitution, as well as resources for parents and students on topics such as civics education and parental rights.

Some people have raised concerns that the donation of the pocket Constitutions is a form of religious indoctrination, as the nonprofit's website contains links to Christian resources. Others have argued that the donation is a violation of the separation of church and state.

However, Moms for Liberty has defended the donation, arguing that the pocket Constitutions are a valuable educational resource and that they do not violate any laws. The group has also pointed out that the pocket Constitutions are being donated to both public and private schools, and that students are not required to sign the oath of allegiance or visit the website.

The Brevard County School Board has also defended the donation, saying that it meets all legal requirements. The board has also said that students are not required to accept the pocket Constitutions or sign the oath of allegiance.

**Questions raised by the donation**

The donation of pocket Constitutions by Moms for Liberty has raised a number of questions, including:

  • * Is the donation a form of religious indoctrination?
  • * Does the donation violate the separation of church and state?
  • * Are students required to accept the pocket Constitutions or sign the oath of allegiance?
  • * What is the role of outside organizations in donating educational materials to public schools?
  • * How can schools ensure that all students have access to a variety of viewpoints on important issues?

**Conclusion**

The donation of pocket Constitutions by Moms for Liberty is a complex issue that raises a number of important questions. It is important to have a thoughtful and open discussion about these issues in order to ensure that all students have access to a quality education that respects their religious beliefs and political views.

**Additional information**

In addition to the concerns raised above, some people have also expressed concern about the following:

  • * The pocket Constitutions were donated by a partisan political organization.
  • * The pocket Constitutions include an oath of allegiance, which some people believe is inappropriate for public schools.
  • * The QR code on the pocket Constitutions directs students to a website that contains links to Christian resources.

It is important to note that Moms for Liberty has denied that the donation is politically motivated or that it is intended to indoctrinate students. The group has also said that the oath of allegiance is voluntary and that students are not required to visit the website.

The Brevard County School Board has also said that the donation meets all legal requirements and that students are not required to accept the pocket Constitutions or sign the oath of allegiance.

Ultimately, it is up to individual parents to decide whether or not they want their children to accept the pocket Constitutions.


FROM BING AI

Delivery of pocket Constitutions to Brevard schools by Moms for Liberty:

  • - Moms for Liberty is a conservative political organization that advocates against school curricula that mention LGBT rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory, and discrimination. ⁷
  • - The group was founded in 2021 by former and current school board members in Florida who opposed mask and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⁷
  • - The group has chapters in 45 states and claims to have over 115,000 members. ¹²
  • - The group has been criticized for harassment, for deepening divisions among parents, for making students' education more difficult, and for having close ties to the Republican Party. ⁷
  • - The group has also been designated as a far-right extremist organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization that tracks extremists. ⁸
  • - The group partnered with the 917 Society, a nonprofit organization that provides free pocket Constitutions and educational resources to 8th graders nationwide. ¹¹
  • - The group distributed about 300,000 pocket Constitutions from the 917 Society to schools around the country for Constitution Week, which spans from September 17 to September 23. ⁶
  • - The pocket Constitutions included an oath of allegiance for students to sign and a QR code directing them to the 917 Society's website. ¹
  • - The donation of the pocket Constitutions drew questions from some regarding what is and isn't allowed within schools. ¹
  • - Some felt the action was hypocritical of Moms for Liberty, which has lobbied for restrictions on what's allowed in schools and transparency for parents relating to what their kids are doing or reading. ¹
  • - Some also questioned the accuracy and impartiality of the information provided by the 917 Society, which claims to be nonpartisan but has links to conservative groups and politicians. ¹

Bing, 9/24/2023

  • (1) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.
  • (2) Our Mission | 917society. https://www.917society.org/our-mission.
  • (3) Moms for Liberty | Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/moms-liberty.
  • (4) The 917 Society | U.S. Constitution for students. https://www.917society.org/.
  • (5) Moms for Liberty | Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/.
  • (6) Delivery of pocket Constitutions to Brevard schools by Moms for Liberty .... https://news.yahoo.com/delivery-pocket-constitutions-brevard-schools-090857065.html.
  • (7) Delivery of pocket Constitutions to Brevard schools by Moms for Liberty .... https://www.reddit.com/r/321/comments/16q5yb8/delivery_of_pocket_constitutions_to_brevard/.
  • (8) Moms for Liberty v. Brevard Public Schools | The Foundation for .... https://www.thefire.org/cases/moms-liberty-v-brevard-public-schools.
  • (9) Brevard Moms for Liberty v. Brevard Public Schools. https://www.ifs.org/cases/brevard-moms-for-liberty-v-brevard-public-schools/.
  • (10) Brevard grand jury indicts Palm Bay father in death of 12-year-old son. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2023/09/21/brevard-grand-jury-indicts-palm-bay-father-in-death-of-12-year-old-son/70913029007/.
  • (11) Who We Are | M4L National - USA - Moms for Liberty. https://www.momsforliberty.org/about/.
  • (12) . https://bing.com/search?q=917+Society.
  • (13) Constitution Week - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Week.
  • (14) Constitution Week | Daughters of the American Revolution. https://www.dar.org/national-society/education/constitution-week.
  • (15) Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and Constitution Week, 2021. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/09/21/2021-20506/constitution-day-and-citizenship-day-and-constitution-week-2021.
  • (16) undefined. https://www.917society.org.
  • (17) undefined. https://gov.georgia.gov/2018-proclamations.

The 917 Society:
  • - The 917 Society is a nonprofit organization that provides free pocket Constitutions and educational resources to 8th graders nationwide, fostering an understanding and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. ¹²
  • - The name of the organization comes from the date of September 17, which is Constitution Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the Constitution in 1787. ²
  • - The organization was founded in 2015 by Joni Bryan, a former attorney and political consultant who wanted to revive civic education and patriotism among young Americans. ³⁴
  • - The organization's mission is to empower the next generation of American citizens by engaging them in the democratic process and encouraging them to take action to protect the Constitution and the values it represents. ²
  • - The organization's main program is to distribute pocket Constitutions to 8th grade classrooms across the country for Constitution Week, which spans from September 17 to September 23. The pocket Constitutions include an oath of allegiance for students to sign and a QR code directing them to the organization's website. ¹ 
  • - The organization also provides teachers with lesson plans, videos, quizzes, and other materials to help them teach about the Constitution and its relevance to current issues. The organization claims to be nonpartisan and does not endorse any political candidate, party, or platform. ¹²
  • - The organization partners with other groups that share its vision, such as the American Legion, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Federalist Society, and the Heritage Foundation.  
  • - The organization has received support from various celebrities, politicians, and media personalities, such as Mike Huckabee, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, Glenn Beck, and Tucker Carlson.  
  • - The organization has also faced criticism from some who question its accuracy, impartiality, and motives. Some accuse the organization of having a conservative bias and agenda, of promoting misinformation and propaganda, of undermining public education and diversity, and of violating the separation of church and state.  
  • - The organization has responded to these criticisms by defending its integrity, transparency, and patriotism. It has also challenged its critics to debate its views and values in a civil manner.
Bing, 9/24/2023
  • (1) The 917 Society | U.S. Constitution for students. https://www.917society.org/.
  • (2) Our Mission | 917society. https://www.917society.org/our-mission.
  • (3) The 917 Society Aims to Annually Honor Constitution Day Each September 17th. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-917-society-aims-to-annually-honor-constitution-day-each-september-17th-301532146.html.
  • (4) undefined. https://www.917society.org.

According to the web search results, the 917 Society is funded by various sources, such as:
  • - The Colbeth Family Charitable Fund, which is a private foundation that supports conservative causes and organizations. ³
  • - Individual donors who contribute to the organization through its website or other platforms. The organization claims to be transparent about its finances and provides a list of its donors on its website. ⁴
  • - Other groups that partner with the 917 Society, such as the American Legion, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Federalist Society, and the Heritage Foundation. These groups may provide financial or in-kind support to the organization or help distribute its materials to schools and students. ¹
Bing, 9/24/2023
  • (1) Founders Club | 917society. https://www.917society.org/foundersclub.
  • (2) Donation Page | 917society. https://www.917society.org/donation-page.
  • (3) The 917 Society | U.S. Constitution for students. https://www.917society.org/.
  • (4) Tennessee Voices, Episode 104: Joni Bryan, founder, 917 Society. https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2020/10/23/tennessee-voices-joni-bryan-917-society-united-states-constitution/3741556001/.

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