Conservative Mothers as a Political Force in California

Grass-roots groups like Moms for Liberty have turned school boards into battlegrounds in California and nationwide, fighting for control over kids’ classroom discussions and reading materials – often at the expense of marginalized communities. But is this a new battle, or the latest in a line of conservative parenting movements? We talk with journalists and historians about previous education showdowns – from the “red scare” of the 1950s to sex education – and examine the lasting role that Republican women have played in shaping school and state politics.

Guests:

Kathleen Quillian, producer of "Bedrock, USA" podcast; co-host and producer of podcast mini-series "The School Board Queen"

Michelle Nickerson, professor of history at Loyola University Chicago; author of "Mothers of Conservatism: Women and the Postwar Right" and "Spiritual Criminals: How the Camden 28 Put the Vietnam War on Trial"

Ishani Desai, breaking news reporter, The Sacramento Bee