Secular supporters in Camp Verde have been monitoring activity in a Christian nationalist book ban group on Facebook, which was part of a recent push to ban pro-equality and diversity books from Camp Verde Libraries. The group was triggered by the inclusion of a “Pride” section in the library this summer and is now attempting to have all books that mention LGBTQ+ topics placed in a restricted section that requires parental access to check out. Most recently, the group was part of a “Brave Books” event at the Camp Verde Library, in which 80-90 children and adults sang “God Bless America” and promoted “pro-God, pro-America books.” In response, Library Director Kathy Hellman told the CV Bugle “We serve everybody. All walks of life. Everyone is welcome here.” Personal lifestyles, Hellman explained, “don’t matter to us.” Hellman invited anyone concerned about the book issue to attend the August 23rd Camp Verde Town Council meeting, where library matters will be discussed. We expect religious rightwing activists to descend on this one, so it will be pivotal for secular supporters in the community to show up. People statewide can also support equality at CV Libraries by donating books written by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors to the Camp Verde Library Endowment. |
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Catalina Foothills
In Catalina Foothills Unified School District (Tucson), MAGA supporters gathered at Catalina Foothills Church ahead of the district’s last meeting for a “non-partisan” event featuring several local Republican Party leaders, COVID deniers, and promoters of hate group Alliance Defending Freedom. (See the Substack by reporter David Fitzsimmons.) Topics of outrage at the event included COVID shut downs, “woke indoctrination,” posters highlighting female leaders, the phrase "safe spaces", trans’ kids use of bathrooms, and pronouns.
We’re looking for someone in the Catalina Foothills area to monitor school board meetings and let us know what else is happening in the area. Contact us if you think you can help.
Peoria Unified
Secular supporters made waves at Peoria Unified School District. The first two public comments of the new school year were made by constituents who cited all the laws and rules against quoting scripture at public meetings and laid waste to myths about the 1st Amendment. Later, a brave student spoke up advocating against the politics of division and for student rights.
Members Heather Rooks and Rebecca Hill made a shameful and futile attempt to play to their base, lamenting that a video shown about the history of the district included too much diversity. They then attempted—and failed—to block a measure sending counselors to the National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference, because the conference agenda included sessions on anti-racism and equality.
The next PUSD meeting is August 24th.
Deer Valley Unified
We reported on a disfunctional Deer Valley Unified School District meeting where one of the most far-right politicians on the board has started pushing back against the ineptitude of his extremist colleagues.
Important Upcoming Meetings
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