Extremists are targeting free speech and expression in school communities and working to limit information and discussion that children need to understand the world around them. Students that have been historically marginalized, including LGBTQ+ students and students of color, are too often at the center of these attacks. The PA-WInS coalition seeks to engage more people to push back against the extremists–NOW–if we have any hope of turning the tide.  Students need all of our voices to help ensure public schools will include and celebrate all students and provide a safe and supportive environment in which everyone can learn, succeed and thrive. 

In May 2022, the ACLU of Pennsylvania brought together parents and educational and community groups to fight back against extremist board policies in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In October 2022, a number of those groups, including the ACLU-PA, Anti-Defamation League, Education Law Center, Human Rights Campaign of Pennsylvania, NAACP Bucks County, Education Voters of Pennsylvania, Planned Parenthood, and Red Wine & Blue came together to form Pennsylvanians for Welcoming and Inclusive Schools (PAWInS). Their central goal was to unite individuals and organizations working against extremist school boards and extremist legislation to build a stronger and more effective response against these attacks.