Podcast: Parents at the epicenter of a culture war

Last year, frustrations over COVID-related school closures slammed into the nation’s culture war and led to an election. It all started in Loudoun County, Virginia, whose schools became a lightning rod as they grappled with mask regulations, a toilet policy for transgender students and efforts to eliminate systemic racial discrimination.

Today we discuss how conservative parents in Virginia launched a powerful statewide movement and how the Democrats are trying to win back this important block of voters. We also examine how parents in Loudoun County really feel. Read the full transcript here.

Host: Gustave Arellano

Guest: Courtney Subramanian, LA Times White House reporter

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Focus on the economy, not “critical race theory” or sex education: Democrats’ plan to win back parents

School boards become battle zones around COVID-19 rules, critical race theory, trans students

Opinion: Teachers need to put the welfare of transgender students ahead of their own beliefs