CHANGETHELAUSD.COM

Hate Did Not Win (So Far)

Many candidates who ran on platforms based on their hatred of the LGBTQ+ community lost their races. Some others are still in the running.

“Ultra nationalism, dictatorship, and anti-semitism were the ideas of Hitler.”

– BYJU’S

Glendale School Board candidate Jordan Henry from his campaign website.

A key component of the right-wing extremism infecting our country today is the appropriation of patriotic symbols to represent these beliefs suggesting that it is unAmerican to disagree with them. This ultra-nationalism has been on display during violent protests held by Leave Our Kids Alone (LOKA), including the one in front of Saticoy Elementary School on June 2, 2023. This included not only the literal wrapping of themselves in the American flag but also speeches claiming that their hatred of the LGBTQ+ community was somehow an American value.

Also made clear by the protestors in matching white shirts was their fidelity to Trump, an ex-president known for his praise of authoritarians and stated intention to be a dictator on “day one” should he be elected to a second term. Not only were Trump flags and “Let’s Go Brandon” flags waved alongside the Red, White, and Blue during the Saticory protest…