It Could Happen Here It Could Happen Here Weekly 197
Aug 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, David Forbes, an editor focused on North Carolina politics and LGBTQ+ issues, and Dana El Kurd, a political analyst specializing in Palestinian politics, delve into pressing social topics. They scrutinize North Carolina's anti-trans laws and the surprising support they garnered from Democrats. Dana sheds light on the tensions within American academia regarding free speech and pro-Palestine activism, emphasizing the need for safeguarding academic freedom. Together, they highlight the critical role of grassroots movements in influencing change.
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Organize Legally And On Campus
- Support collective legal and campus organizing like AAUP chapters and lawsuits to defend academic freedom.
- Dana El Kurd highlights legal action and campus mobilization as concrete defenses against federal overreach.
Democrats Helped Pass North Carolina Anti-Trans Laws
- North Carolina's HB805 and SB442 passed with Democratic support, including a governor sign, despite previous promises to oppose such laws.
- David Forbes recounts how Democrats' votes and silent LGBTQ groups enabled these draconian bills.
HB2 Repeal Was A Strategic Compromise
- The HB2 backlash taught the right that Democrats will compromise to protect business, not principles.
- That compromise preserved structural bans and signaled Democrats' readiness to fold under economic pressure.
