Politixia
The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) quickly responded to concerns raised about a proposed speaker at its upcoming Mobile conference after deleting a post announcing a speaker known for promoting LGBTQ+ books and diversity and equity training in early childhood education.
On Monday, ADECE announced on Facebook that Alison McDonald would be a speaker at its October conference. However, later that evening, the post was removed without explanation.
The announcement was still up on the conference’s Instagram page on Monday night. However, it was likewise taken down on Tuesday morning.
SEE: ADECE schedules pro-BLM, DEI speaker known for advocating LGBTQ books for kids for annual conference
McDonald is known for advocating for LGBTQ+ books and diversity and equity training in early childhood education. Her social media page is replete with examples of her recommending material from Black Lives Matter, promoting LGBTQ subject matter for children, and propping up Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) material as essential for educating children.
1819 News initially requested an explanation for the announcement’s silent removal and what it meant for McDonald’s participation in the conference. The agency responded on Tuesday morning with the following statement:
“The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education takes the concerns that have been raised seriously and is actively working with its conference partner to address the matter,” ADECE told 1819 News. “The views and advocacy referenced in recent reporting were not included in the sessions submitted for review and were not part of the content approved for presentation. Those views do not reflect the policies, priorities, or positions of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.”
The conference is also slated to feature a return from the 2025 conference, Lester Laminack, an openly gay advocate of LGBTQ-promoting books in children’s education. He is known for opposing the removal of states like Alabama that have made moves to exclude LGBTQ+ books for children in schools and libraries.
ADECE is a cabinet-level state agency, with leadership appointed by the governor. It is designed to provide education to children from birth to age eight through areas such as early learning initiatives, family support and even workforce development. The agency receives over $185 million in state funding alone.
The current secretary, Ami Brooks, was appointed by Gov, Kay Ivey just over a year ago.
Brooks replaced Jan Hume, who led the department on an interim basis in 2023 after the former agency head, Barbara Cooper, was forced out.
According to the Ivey administration, Cooper promoted a teacher’s manual that contained a “woke agenda.”
SEE ALSO: Ivey announces resignation of Early Childhood Education Secretary after ‘woke’ teacher’s manual
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings