A recent meeting hosted by the conservative education activist group Moms for Liberty – El Paso County has sparked concern after a Colorado Springs School District 11 grandparent was reportedly expelled from the gathering. The incident occurred despite the attendance of three elected officials who endorsed the group, known for its anti-LGBTQ stance.
Jill Davis, a 60-year-old local podcaster and self-described “ex-conservative,” attended the meeting at Valley Hi Golf Course on Jan. 31 to gain insight into Moms for Liberty (M4L). Davis, who identifies as an “ex-conservative,” was drawn to the meeting due to her daughter’s sexual orientation and her commitment to supporting LGBTQ rights.
The primary focus of Moms for Liberty – El Paso County, as previously reported, has been to advocate for the removal of library books featuring LGBTQ themes from local schools, along with expressing anti-teachers union sentiments. The group has been particularly active in districts where conservative-majority boards of education were elected in November 2021.
Davis expressed concern upon learning that two local Republican state house representatives, Rep. Scott Bottoms of District 15 and Rep. Ken DeGraff of District 22, would be addressing the gathering. DeGraff represents Davis’ district.
However, Davis’s presence at the meeting was short-lived. She was identified by M4L members while recording and taking notes, prompting accusations from Darcy Schoening, chapter co-chair, of being a “plant.” Despite Davis’s denial of the accusation, Schoening insisted on her removal, alleging that Davis engaged in disruptive behavior.
Schoening defended the decision, labeling Davis as a “far left progressive operative” and accusing her of heckling speakers and displaying inappropriate conduct. Schoening emphasized M4L’s status as a private group and justified Davis’s expulsion as necessary to maintain the integrity of the gathering.
Davis, on the other hand, contends that she merely asked questions of the elected officials and M4L representatives, seeking clarity on their positions and objectives. She provided Sixty35 with an audio recording of the meeting, which did not capture any instances of heckling or disruptive behavior from her.
Despite the confrontation, Davis’s concerns about M4L’s agenda, particularly its anti-LGBTQ stance, remain unresolved. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ rights and conservative activism in education.