A far-right Missouri organization has launched a disturbing map alerting followers to “hot spots” of so-called “wake up” activity in the state.
As of Monday, 12 maps all rank relevant educational institutions, and are linked with articles, videos, and tweets trashing things like important race theory and diversity training. The information names at least 12 specific schools or school districts – especially in light of the increasing number of school mass shootings in the US.
The Liberty Alliance is “committed to fighting back against the awakening agenda that is rampant throughout Missouri,” reads a statement on the conservative group’s website next to a state map with spots.
“The first step in the fight is to uncover their crazy ideas – from critical race theory to preparing children with sexually explicit books,” the statement said. “That’s why we’ve officially launched the Woke Heat Map – an interactive tool designed to uncover the insane actions of radical leftists. This map will alert Missourians to the madness happening in their own communities.” “
Critical race theory, an academic framework that looks at how policies and laws perpetuate systemic racism, has become a right-wing boogeyman. Educators say the term has been given authority to limit diversity initiatives and teachings about race and American history.
The map isn’t really “interactive” in any way, other than featuring articles as claimed. Instead, followers are encouraged to interact with the organization by filling out a form on a web page reporting “wok hot spots” for maps.
Attorney Ron Filipkowski discovered a video interview with Liberty Alliance executive director Spencer Bone about the new initiative tracking “the insane action taken by an insane leftist.” Describing the hot spots on the map, Bone begins to mention places where “gender extremism” was pushed, but corrects himself to say “awakened extremism.”
Some of Filipkowski’s Twitter followers found it funny, but most were upset by it — especially in light of the increasing number of hate-fueled mass shootings.
Liberty Alliance could not immediately be reached for comment.
Little is known about the organization’s funding. It is registered under 501(c)(4) of the IRS Code as a social welfare organization rather than a political action committee. This classification allows it to dodge campaign finance filing requirements, even though the Missouri Democratic Party has stated that the group is involved in the polls.
