The Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks, Alaska, has denied a booth application to a prominent parental rights organization, Moms for Liberty, citing concerns over decorum and potential disruption. The decision followed objections raised by a former fair employee who labeled the group an “extremist hate group,” referencing its designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
Fair Denies Application Amid Controversy
Moms for Liberty, a national conservative group known for its activism in school districts, sought to host a one-day booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair, Alaska’s oldest state fair. However, their application was rejected by the fair’s board. Gail McBride, chair of the Moms for Liberty Fairbanks chapter, stated that the rejection letter was received on April 27. She expressed that the community should be aware of what she described as an attempt to “cancel conservatives by screaming loudly.”
Tiffany Justice, President of Moms for Liberty, defended the group’s mission, asserting, “Defending parental rights and standing up for your children is not extremist.” She indicated that the organization is considering legal action following the denial.
Concerns Over Group’s Conduct and Designation
Scott Vance, executive director of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association (TVSFA), provided a statement explaining the decision. He noted that “members of and peoples associated with the local chapter have lacked decorum at board meetings, antagonized staff, and association members in the past several months.” Vance emphasized the fair’s right to deny applications that could “create disruption, compromise the safety or comfort of attendees, or conflict with the Fair’s mission to provide a welcoming, family-oriented environment.”
The controversy escalated during an April 15 board meeting where McBride introduced the local chapter. Following her presentation, David Leslie, a former fair employee with ongoing involvement, addressed the board. Leslie characterized Moms for Liberty as an “anti-government, extremist hate group,” citing the SPLC’s 2022 “Year in Hate & Extremism” report, which designated the group as extremist. Leslie claimed the group targets LGBTQ+ individuals, stating, “This is extremely dangerous. People die because of hate. People kill themselves.” He also referenced a past decision by the fair to cancel a local drag performance and urged the board to prevent Moms for Liberty affiliates from serving on the fair board.
Moms for Liberty Responds and Questions SPLC’s Role
In a letter dated June 25, McBride expressed surprise at the rejection and stated that the board’s decision did not reflect the community’s sentiment. She also challenged the fair’s reliance on the SPLC’s designation, pointing to recent scrutiny and legal issues faced by the watchdog organization. The SPLC has reportedly faced accusations of fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to some reports.
Tiffany Justice highlighted that the SPLC is frequently used by government entities to identify “hate groups.” She cited a similar situation in Williamson County, Texas, where the group was reportedly excluded from participating in an event due to its inclusion on the SPLC’s “hate map.” Justice described this as a “continuing problem all across the country.”
Fair Affirms Decision Based on Mission and Conduct
Vance reiterated the TVSFA’s mission to “encourage and welcome involvement by all.” However, he stated that the “reputation of the overall organization and actions of the local associates does not align with” this mission. He maintained that the TVSFA reserves the right to deny applications for any reason and that all decisions are final, resting with the Executive Director’s discretion.
“I have the unenviable task of sorting through all grievances and reports from our staff, members, and the community,” Vance concluded. “Based on multiple issues that have come to my attention, this is the best decision that aligns with the mission of the fair and fostering a welcoming environment.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
