The fate of Kansas public education is in the crosshairs of political extremists. Their agenda includes striking down any efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) - incorrectly lumped under the conservative rallying cry of CRT - claiming a decline in school achievement scores to justify gutting public school funding in favor of private vouchers, and empowering angry parents to supervise teacher and administrative choices over curriculum and banned books.

Stealth candidates aren’t new to Kansas politics. More than 30 years ago Dr. Bob Meneilly, founding Chairman of Mainstream Coalition, warned against the rise of extremists in politics, and specifically of stealth candidates infiltrating our school boards to cause harm to our public schools and communities.

This is the written testimony submitted by Mainstream Coalition to the Special Committee on Government Overreach and Impact of COVID-19 Mandates.

We're only a day away from the Get Out The Vote Gala! Please review the following details, including important safety information. If you purchased a table or multiple tickets, please share this information with all of your guests.

Thank you for supporting The Voter Network's integrated voter engagement efforts in Kansas. I look forward to celebrating with you in-person on Tuesday!

Michael Poppa
Executive Director

Last week, Republican state legislators continued to misdirect what should be a war against COVID to a war on any government attempt to stop the spread of a deadly disease. The Legislative Coordinating Committee (LCC) is forming an 11-member special committee - the Special Committee on Government Overreach and Impact of COVID-19 Mandates - to investigate how Kansas can legally weaken or oppose federal and local mandates on vaccines and masks meant to keep employees, students, and vulnerable Kansans safe.

Have you purchased your tickets to our GOTV Gala?

We're limiting in-person attendance, so it's important to get your tickets now to reserve your spot. You won't want to miss our featured guest, Academy Award winner Kevin Willmott. Prefer to attend virtually? We're offering you that option, too. More details on virtual tickets coming soon, but tickets can be purchased today.

What are we watching this week?

It's all about the election tomorrow and the redistricting town halls that begin on Aug 9. But we're also keeping an eye on rising COVID numbers in Kansas; the Governor's and local officials response, mask mandates and the polarized decisions that local school boards are grappling with as kids head back to school (made more difficult due to the ksleg). We're watching and will keep you up-to-date throughout the week with the latest. 

Let it be made clear from the outset that this is a sermon on religion, not politics. What is good about religion is good for the republic, and good about a republic is good for religion. However, we believe fervently in the American way, which stands for the separation of religion and state. 

To love our neighbors as ourselves requires tolerance, but it also requires looking out for the best ultimate welfare of both state and church. It means being humble, not self-righteous.

– Dr. Robert Meneilly

I am not an expert in Critical Race Theory (CRT), or the complex ways that race has impacted our history and communities. Instead, I consider myself an informed citizen who engages with difficult conversations by listening and seeking perspectives from those who are more knowledgeable than I am. 

Mainstream Coalition stands against ideological and religious extremism in all of its forms. Beginning with our bipartisan and interfaith founders, we embrace the meeting of diverse minds, experiences, and religions as we work together to respect the rights, beliefs, and freedoms of all Kansans.