A local chapter of Moms for Liberty has issued an apology after quoting Adolf Hitler in their newsletter.
The Hamilton County chapter of Moms for Liberty quoted the Nazi Germany dictator in The Parent Brigade, their parent-facing newsletter. The first version of the publication included the quote, “He alone, who OWNS the youth, GAINS the future.” The quote is generally attributed to a 1935 speech in which Hitler introduced the Nuremberg Laws.
The quote was met with swift condemnation from various groups and people, after which the newsletter was updated to include “context” for the inclusion of the quote.
“The quote from a horrific leader should put parents on alert,” the update says. “If the government has control over our children today, they control our country’s future. We The People must be vigilant and protect children from an overreaching government.”
However, the latest version of the newsletter does not contain the quote at all. The group also uploaded an apology to their Facebook page.
“We condemn Adolf Hitler’s actions and his dark place in human history,” said Chapter Chairwoman Paige Miller via an online statement. “We should not have quoted him in our newsletter and express our deepest apology.”
The national Moms for Liberty Twitter account acknowledged the error in the chapter’s decision to include a quote from Hitler but also pushed back on local media coverage of the incident.
“Everyone knows Hitler is bad. This is intentional dishonesty in reporting, but we aren’t surprised—all they want is clicks. Do better @indystar,” the organization’s Twitter account read. “The chapter shouldn’t have quoted Hitler without condemning him at the same time. They have issued a statement of apology to clear up any confusion.”
Local politicians and organizations on both sides of the aisle were quick to condemn the use of the quote. At the time of posting this article, comments on the Facebook post for the newsletter had been turned off and hidden.
Moms for Liberty is a “parental rights” advocacy group. The group is generally described as conservative and has created headlines for their involvement in debates around school curriculum and book bans. Critics have accused the group of being antigovernment. Supporters say they are trying to make sure parents have more say in schools and push back against “indoctrination.” The local chapter has criticized diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as LGBTQ+ books and events.
Contact Indy Kids Winning Reporter Andrew Pillow at andrewp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewPillow.
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