Moms for Liberty, a national conservative group focused on parental rights in education, was denied a booth at the Tanana Valley State Fair in Fairbanks, Alaska. The denial came after a local activist cited a designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which labels Moms for Liberty an "extremist group."
According to Gail McBride, chair of the Moms for Liberty Fairbanks chapter, the group received a rejection letter on April 27. McBride stated that the denial was an attempt to "cancel conservatives by screaming loudly."
Scott Vance, executive director of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association (TVSFA), told Fox News Digital that members and associates of the local chapter have "lacked decorum at board meetings, antagonized staff, and association members in the past several months." Vance added that the association reserves the right to deny any application it believes may "create disruption, compromise the safety or comfort of attendees, or conflict with the Fair’s mission to provide a welcoming, family-oriented environment."
The Tanana Valley State Fair has historically featured family-friendly events, livestock exhibits, and local crafts. McBride had reportedly attended a fair board meeting on April 15 to introduce the chapter and address what she described as misinformation. Following her presentation, David Leslie, a former fair employee, reportedly objected to the group's presence, calling Moms for Liberty an "anti-government, extremist hate group" and citing its SPLC designation. Leslie also reportedly claimed the group "target[s] LGBT people specifically."
The SPLC's 2022 "Year in Hate & Extremism" report designated Moms for Liberty as an "extremist group," with an official from the SPLC telling NPR in 2023 that the organization seeks "to undermine public education holistically."
McBride, in a letter dated June 25, responded to the board's decision, expressing surprise at the rejection and asserting that it does not represent the community. She also raised concerns about the SPLC's own legal challenges, referencing its indictment on fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges.
Moms for Liberty President Tiffany Justice told Fox News Digital that the organization is "exploring legal actions" and noted that reliance on the SPLC's designation is a recurring issue. She cited a similar situation in Williamson County, Texas, where the group was reportedly barred from participating due to its inclusion on the SPLC's "hate map."
Vance reiterated that the TVSFA reserves the right to deny applications and that the final decision rests with the executive director. He stated that based on "multiple issues that have come to my attention," the decision aligns with the fair's mission and fosters a welcoming environment.