TL/DR –
Moms for Liberty, a right-wing advocacy group, has been grappling with a scandal involving one of its founders, Bridget Ziegler, and her husband, who are under investigation for sexual assault. The group, born in response to school closures and mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, has gained considerable influence in the GOP and championed controversial education policies, but its power seems to be diminishing, with candidates it endorsed losing key 2023 school board elections. Critics of the group argue it has become too focused on “culture-war-type issues” while neglecting more pressing education matters, and despite its claims to operate 300 chapters in 48 states with 130,000 members, it has been less successful outside Florida, the state in which it was founded.
Moms for Liberty: Controversies and Decline
The national right-wing advocacy group, Moms for Liberty, initially formed in response to Covid-19 school closures and mask mandates but soon gained traction for promoting policies criticized as anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Bridget Ziegler, a founder of the group, is currently under police scrutiny for a sexual assault allegation, which has intensified calls for her resignation from the Sarasota County School Board. Regardless of these controversies, Moms for Liberty maintains a significant presence in the heated educational debates of the pandemic era.
Political Impact and the Ziegler Scandal
Despite its swift rise to influence in Republican politics, the scandal surrounding the Zieglers appears to be dulling Moms for Liberty’s power, with endorsed candidates experiencing a series of losses in key school board races in 2023. Front-runner, Donald J. Trump, often references the group in his speeches. Yet, education-related issues are less prominent in recent debates, with more focus on policy matters like abortion rights, foreign policy, and the economy.
Public Sentiment and Organization Status
Although the group claims to operate 300 chapters with around 130,000 members, a recent study suggests that the group’s controversial policies are broadly unpopular in battleground and liberal counties. Several incidents, such as posing with members of the far-right group, Proud Boys, have damaged the group’s reputation. The group continues to deny any wrongdoing, insisting that its mission centers on restoring control to parents over their children’s education.
Current Influence and Future Prospects
In 2023, almost 60 percent of the school board candidates endorsed by Moms for Liberty were defeated in contested races. However, the group maintains a strong grip in Florida, where it has backed conservative candidates and policies. The organization’s focus on ‘culture-war’ issues has been both a strength and a weakness. Many voters are concerned about more practical issues and see the group’s focus as a distraction from improving the educational system.
Continued Activism Despite Prevailing Issues
Despite numerous setbacks, Moms for Liberty remains vocal at school board meetings, protesting books they deem inappropriate for schools. This persistent activism draws counter-protesters attempting to challenge the group’s message. Nonetheless, the group continues to leverage Florida laws to their advantage, arguing that explicit materials should be removed from the school curricula. Amid these activities, calls for Bridget Ziegler’s resignation persist despite her defiance.
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