In this episode Karen welcomes Jakob Lavicky, a fervent advocate from Oklahoma City, who is deeply involved in the local political scene and an outspoken supporter of the queer community. Jakob shares his experiences and motivations for participating in public meetings and rallies, particularly highlighting a poignant speech he delivered at the Oklahoma State School Board, which gained attention on TikTok.
Their discussion delves into the restrictive public comment policies implemented by Superintendent Walters, which have driven activists to extremes such as camping outside the meeting venue overnight to secure a spot to speak. Jakob articulates the challenges faced by minority groups, especially the queer community, under the current administrative measures which seem designed to discourage public participation and silence dissenting voices.
Jakob also recounts a particularly distressing incident at a school board meeting where a mother, advocating for better accommodations for differently-abled individuals including her own child, was arrested in a manner he describes as an excessive display of force, leaving her children unattended and distressed.
Their conversation captures the essence of grassroots activism and the personal stakes involved in fighting for democratic processes and inclusivity in governance. Jakob's commitment to advocacy is palpable as he discusses the importance of supporting young, progressive voices in politics to foster change and protect future generations from discrimination and exclusion.
Resources from episode:
Footage of the mom being taken out in front of her kids:
https://youtu.be/qOeXnLIpOZE?si=E9hSD6ucaOs2KxLi
Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization!
For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org
Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "DOFD" to 44321
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Connect with DofD on all the social platforms:
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In this episode Karen welcomes Jakob Lavicky, a fervent advocate from Oklahoma City, who is deeply involved in the local political scene and an outspoken supporter of the queer community. Jakob shares his experiences and motivations for participating in public meetings and rallies, particularly highlighting a poignant speech he delivered at the Oklahoma State School Board, which gained attention on TikTok.
Their discussion delves into the restrictive public comment policies implemented by Superintendent Walters, which have driven activists to extremes such as camping outside the meeting venue overnight to secure a spot to speak. Jakob articulates the challenges faced by minority groups, especially the queer community, under the current administrative measures which seem designed to discourage public participation and silence dissenting voices.
Jakob also recounts a particularly distressing incident at a school board meeting where a mother, advocating for better accommodations for differently-abled individuals including her own child, was arrested in a manner he describes as an excessive display of force, leaving her children unattended and distressed.
Their conversation captures the essence of grassroots activism and the personal stakes involved in fighting for democratic processes and inclusivity in governance. Jakob's commitment to advocacy is palpable as he discusses the importance of supporting young, progressive voices in politics to foster change and protect future generations from discrimination and exclusion.
Resources from episode:
Footage of the mom being taken out in front of her kids:
https://youtu.be/qOeXnLIpOZE?si=E9hSD6ucaOs2KxLi
Support the Defense of Democracy Nonprofit organization!
For more information visit: Defense of Democracy.org
Become a DofD Support Partner Simply by Texting: "DOFD" to 44321
Follow, Like and Get Involved!
Connect with DofD on all the social platforms:
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
Instagram