The rise of parental activism in education has transformed America’s political landscape since COVID-19 lockdowns exposed what was happening behind classroom doors. Now, one of the movement’s most influential voices is taking on a new role to champion parental rights at the national level.
Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, recently joined The Heritage Foundation to lead its Parental Rights Initiative. In an interview with The Daily Signal, Justice explained how her journey began as a mother of four who simply wanted to make a difference.
“I was a stay-at-home mom. My husband and I have four kids. They’re now 20, 17, 15, and 13, but in 2016, we had four kids in public school and I decided to run for school board because I had been volunteering at my kid’s school and just really saw that parents weren’t being listened to as much as they should be,” Justice said.
Her time on the school board proved enlightening—and then the pandemic hit. Justice noted that before COVID, school board meetings were dominated by special interests and unions, not parents.
“I saw behind the education curtain. And then COVID happened and all of America saw behind the education curtain,” she said.
That revelation led Justice and other concerned parents to launch Moms for Liberty in 2021, creating what would quickly become one of the most significant grassroots education movements, producing a new generation of political leaders. In Wisconsin, for example, Amanda Nedweski, rose from her local Moms for Liberty chapter to a state representative.
At Heritage, Justice aims to build on this momentum by bringing together organizations that might previously have competed for funding or influence.
“I think we’re in this moment that we’re bringing people together on issues that really transcend partisan politics and divide,” Justice said. “This parental rights initiative is really about putting parents into the driver’s seat.”
Justice praised President Donald Trump’s early actions on issues important to parents, including protecting girls’ sports and appointing Linda McMahon secretary at the Department of Education.
For parents wondering how they can make a difference, Justice’s advice is straightforward: “Stand up, hold the torch of liberty. If you’re thinking something is wrong or something happening in your district is concerning, you’re not the only one.”
She encouraged parents to build relationships with teachers and consider running for local office. Justice also announced plans for a Parental Rights Network and a “What’s Best for Kids” series covering economy, health, education, and family.
“It’s going to be a real game changer in America,” Justice predicted, “and I’m incredibly thankful that Heritage is trusting me to lead this initiative to help to bring parents together.”