(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania politics cast a stunning juxtaposition this weekend.
On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, a conservative political celebration for state Republicans, began its three-day run while stocks plummeted following the president’s announcement of new tariffs.
Meanwhile, Democratic senators Vincent Hughes and Art Haywood of Philadelphia marked 57 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., on Friday. They and others used the opportunity to “sound the alarm” on federal threats to education and equity.
“Dr. King fought for equality and justice, and we are raising our voices today to stand up for the same things,” said Hughes. “We are fighting against the elimination of the Department of Education and public education funding, and at the same time calling out the need for more investments in our public schools and the education of our young people.”
The scene was in stark contrast to the conference where activist Ned Ryun applauded the Trump administration’s education cuts, saying, “And then you shut down the Department of Education, and you blow up the building, and you build your garden of heroes over it.”
The community of Camp Hill where the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference was held sits near the west shore of the Susquehanna, opposite the state capitol. For those who live there, the river has long served as a perceived cultural, political, ecomic and even racial barrier between the city and its suburbs.
The state’s Future Ready PA Index bears out the narrative, with Harrisburg School District representing a nearly 93% economically disadvantaged population – over 47% Black and 44% Hispanic – and performing drastically below the statewide average. Camp Hill, on the other side, is over 75% white, just under 20% economically disadvantaged, and performing above the statewide average in every key area.
The federal cuts come just as hopes are beginning to rise with the state’s new education funding plan.
“Just as an assassin’s bullet tried to end Dr. King’s dream in 1968, these attacks on education funding and DEI programs seek to do the same today,” said Haywood on Friday, referring to the acronym used for policies involving diversity, equity and inclusion. “We are here to say enough. Every child deserves dignity in the classroom and a real chance to thrive – regardless of race, ability, or ZIP code. Defunding our future is not an option.”
Many of the conservative voices featured at the Leadership Conference represent both sides of the Susquehanna, including Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Attorney General Dave Sunday, Auditor General Tim DeFoor, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. The group demonstrates the strength and popularity of the party across the state, at least at election time.
But the conference wasn’t limited to these voices. The event’s headline speaker was former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. They also platformed far right conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, a Norristown native and Temple graduate.
“This is a new kind of party, and if we continue to embrace that and continue to go forward, I’m here to tell you right now, and I’m here to tell Josh Shapiro, little 5-foot-3 Josh Shapiro, that Pennsylvania is going to be a red state,” said Posobiec to laughter and applause.
On Saturday, the conference continued while thousands across the state joined in nationwide protests against the Trump administration, including over a thousand just across the bridge in Harrisburg.
The movement demanded Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk keep their “hands off” several staples of American life, including social safety nets like Medicaid and Social Security as well as freedoms like the First Amendment.
Protestors chanted, “Defend the constitution,” sang the national anthem, and drew comparisons between Trump and fascist leaders throughout history.
