Activists Unite Against Far-Right Extremism and Censorship in Local Communities

Strategic Insights -

A gathering of three activist groups, SAGE LivCo, Fight 4 the First Lapeer, and Friends of Patmos Library, met in Hartland, Michigan to discuss strategies for combatting far-right extremism and censorship in local libraries and schools. The event came on the heels of recent efforts by conservative activists to take over local boards and suppress access to information, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ themes and sensitive subjects. The activists recognized that their efforts to protect local libraries from defunding and staff changes have taken a great deal of time and energy, and that it's essential to bring new members into the fold to continue the fight.

Key Takeaways:

  • The gathering highlighted the importance of educating oneself on rights and not backing down to bullies, even if they hold positions of power. Activists suggested making recordings of meetings and events where they might encounter opposition to document their experiences.
  • The panel emphasized the value of building bridges, not walls, and engaging with conservative activists who may be open to fighting against censorship. Rhonda Laur of Fight 4 the First noted that some anti-censorship conservatives in Livingston County may be willing to join the fight, but it's necessary to engage with them and not alienate them.
  • Julie Ohashi, cofounder of SAGE LivCo, emphasized the need for organizing efforts, including pickets, writing letters to editors, and speaking up at meetings. She also highlighted the importance of showing up to public meetings and not backing down.
  • Tricia Kryda of Friends of Patmos Library stressed the importance of being hyperaware of the opposition's talking points and highlighting them when they suddenly back away from them once they are elected. She noted that the Patmos Library Board initially ran on a platform of parental rights, but once elected, changed their ethos to taking care of the issues themselves.
  • Kate DeRosier, a former member of the Cromaine District Library Board of Trustees, emphasized that the board's new leadership under Bill Bollin, pastor of the FloodGate Church, was operating outside of normal board functions, which has led to challenges in addressing sensitive subjects.
  • The panelists concluded that the fight against censorship and far-right extremism requires a collaborative effort, involving not only progressive activists but also conservative allies who share a commitment to protecting freedom of speech and information.

Statistics:

  • 300 signatures were gathered by Fight 4 the First calling for the resignation of Lapeer District Library board member John DeAngelis due to his affiliation with the AxMiTax anti-property tax ballot initiative.
  • Cromaine District Library Board of Trustees has created a suppressive environment at public meetings, with the sheriff's office and board members physically removing activists who spoke out against the board's new policy to label books as explicit.
  • Lapeer library board mulls age restrictions on materials despite shaky legal ground.
  • The initiative to eliminate property tax in Michigan, if approved by voters, would eliminate a primary funding source for tax-dependent libraries, such as the Lapeer District Library.

Sources:

  • Michigan Advance, "Local Michigan library board backs away from policy to sequester LGBTQ+ themed books" (https://michiganadvance.com/2025/06/23/local-michigan-library-board-backs-away-from-policy-to-sequester-lgbtq-themed-books/)
  • Michigan Advance, "Lapeer library board mulls age restrictions on materials despite shaky legal ground" (https://michiganadvance.com/2025/06/05/lapeer-library-board-mulls-age-restrictions-on-materials-despite-shaky-legal-ground/)
  • Michigan Advance, "Parental guidance: A new front emerges in battle between far-right, LGBTQ+ themed books" (https://michiganadvance.com/2025/06/04/parental-guidance-a-new-front-emerges-in-battle-between-far-right-lgbtq-themed-books/)