Wisconsin Family Council Influences Anti-Abortion and Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies in Schools
The Wisconsin Family Council (WFC), formerly known as the Family Research Institute, has been actively influencing policies against same-sex marriage and abortion in Wisconsin, particularly within public schools. The organization advocates for Christian pedagogy and opposes what it terms a 'dangerous and aggressive unbiblical liberal agenda' in educational settings. A current board member, Julaine Appling, defines 'radical curriculum' as content based on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT), which she claims is pervasive in textbooks and instructional materials. Watertown, a city with a history of conservative voting patterns, including support for President Trump in past elections and a 2006 referendum restricting gay marriage, has seen cultural shifts around 2020, coinciding with debates on COVID-19 regulations. This environment has provided fertile ground for organizations like the WFC to push their agenda, impacting school board decisions and curriculum content. 
