Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Fort Mill Beacon. The Fort Mill Beacon welcomes op-eds, or opinion editorials and they are published solely at the discretion of the editorial board.
By: Caitlin Boyle
In beautiful York County, a group of passionate parents is making waves in the community, championing conservative values, fiscal responsibility, limited government, and, above all, parental rights. The York County Chapter Moms for Liberty, comprising approximately 1000 local parents, has emerged as a powerhouse advocating for positive change in the public school system.
Founded in 2021 in response to COVID policies, Moms for Liberty initially started by organizing large peaceful protests at school board meetings. Their primary focus was to advocate for a safe return of students to the classroom and the removal of mask mandates. Their mission has evolved to encompass parental rights in general and transparency in curriculum.
The Moms for Liberty are not just activists; they are actively involved in local elections, playing a pivotal role in helping several candidates secure positions on the Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and Clover School Boards in 2022.
While their work is undoubtedly serious, the Moms for Liberty also understand the importance of community and camaraderie. Monthly meet-ups for women, couples, and the unique Founding Fathers men’s group provide spaces for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and foster a sense of unity. Their annual gala, attended by over 175 people last year, including Congressman Ralph Norman, reflects not only the scale of their influence but also the support they’ve garnered from the community.
One notable initiative involved the donation of 7000 pocket Constitutions to York County middle schools, empowering students with knowledge of their constitutional rights. Last year, Moms for Liberty also awarded a $1500 college scholarship to a deserving high school senior, proving their commitment to the future success of the younger generation.
The Moms for Liberty understand the significance of joy and celebration, as evidenced by their free prom dress pop-up event, where they gave away 80 dresses to high school students in 2023. This initiative not only supported young individuals but also showcased the group’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment. The organization will host this event again in 2024.
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Moms for Liberty involves their former chapter chair, Jackie Terribile. Her appointment to the State Board of Education and subsequent candidacy for State Representative of District 66 exemplify the group’s capacity to influence policymaking at the highest levels.
However, perhaps one of their most crucial victories lies in their successful collaboration with stakeholders within the Fort Mill and Rock Hill School Districts, as well as the State Department of Education. The Moms for Liberty played a pivotal role in encouraging the boards and the state to adopt new reading curriculum standards. Advocating for a return to the “Science of Reading” philosophy, with a heavy focus on phonics, Moms for Liberty and other stakeholders stood against methods like the Lucy Calkins method, known for its focus on cueing, which has been proven to be detrimental to reading efficiency.
The York County Chapter Moms for Liberty is not just a group of parents; they are a force driving positive change in education, elections, and the community at large. Their commitment to conservative values, parental rights, and quality education sets an inspiring example for communities across the nation. As they continue to grow and evolve, the Moms for Liberty are proving that empowered parents can indeed transform the landscape of education for the better.
To learn more, visit www.momsforliberty.org
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