Last week, a House Judiciary Committee held a hearing called “Free Speech: The Biden Administration’s Chilling of Parents’ Fundamental Rights,” with conservative speakers from Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education. But where were the moms who support diversity? And what about the students themselves? Where were their voices? With yet another tragic school shooting this week, we have to ask ourselves… when will we listen to kids and value their lives more than we value guns?
This week, we hear from Claire Mengel, a young activist from Cincinnati who organized against the cancellation of Diversity Day in their high school. Claire shares why their school board canceled the event in the first place and why they felt it was so important to stand up for diversity. And even more importantly, Claire shares why it’s so crucial to listen to students about their own lived experiences and what adults can do to help.
Then Rachel sits down with Porsche Joseph, an activist, educator, and co-author of the book Better Than We Found It: Conversations To Help Save the World. The book is aimed at young adults, but anyone can get so much out of its explorations of topics like gun violence, immigration, and health care. Rachel and Porsche chat about supporting young people, what it was like to write a book with her husband, and what Elizabeth Warren is like in real life!
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to birthdays and passing bills in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4th could decide the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin, as well as redistricting and voting rights, which could have a huge impact on the 2024 election. So if you or anyone you know lives in Wisconsin, please be sure to vote before April 4th! And if you want to learn more about the election and what it means, you can check out our social media live events with Politics Girl and some amazing moms from Motherhood For Good on YouTube.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
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Kids Deserve A Better World (with Porsche Joseph and Claire Mengel)