They Came for the Schools: One Town's Fight Over Race and Identity, and the New War for America's Classrooms.

They Came for the Schools: One Town's Fight Over Race and Identity, and the New War for America's Classrooms by Mike Hixenbaugh is a meticulously researched exposé that explores the conservative backlash against the teaching of topics related to race, sexuality, and gender in Southlake, Texas. The book delves into the controversy surrounding the school district's proposed diversity plan, which aimed to address harassment faced by LGBTQ students and students of color. Conservative parents and activists opposed the plan, leading to a takeover of the school board and the implementation of policies that relaxed disciplinary codes, banned books, and sanctioned teachers. Hixenbaugh also examines the role of conservative media figures and think tanks in promoting this activism, as well as the connection to right-wing Christian radicalization. This book provides a detailed analysis of current conservative thought and political activity, making it an important resource for understanding these issues. [Extracted from the article]