Metro East Sun

GOP candidate for the 112th House District Jennifer Korte is calling out Collinsville for child abuse due to its participation in Collinsville Memorial Public Library. 

"These days, it seems we are teaching children that being uncomfortable in their own skin means something is wrong with them," Korte said. "I do not know one person who made it through to adulthood without some sort of confusion, poor self-esteem and questioning of self. Children need to be encouraged to embrace these stages of life. So they can be adults who can successfully navigate all that life has in store. And as a parent, it is my job to help them through this."

Korte cited that brains do not stop developing until the mid-20s and urged adults to "encourage kids to be kids and allow them to have all the experiences without an agenda." She also pointed out "that parents get upset when they see society trying to take it upon themselves to indoctrinate our children." 

“This is what I am seeing with a local library encouraging a 'drag queen story hour.' Indoctrination,” Korte said. “Why would a local, publicly funded library be allowed to use this platform to push their political and social views on children? How does this help children become strong readers and encourage library use?”

Volunteer drag queen Chasity Valentino will read to youngsters at the Collinsville Memorial Public Library on June 3 for a "storytime" event, Madison - St. Clair Record reported. The incident has angered local parents. 

Korte has a bachelor’s degree in social work from SIUE and a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University, according to her campaign website. Korte also advocated for parental rights. In 2021 she joined Speak for Students as a leader and has been instrumental in using the platform "to draw attention to various legislation in Illinois which impacted parental choice, children, schools and teachers."

The 112th district includes parts of Madison and St. Clair counties and the communities of Edwardsville and Collinsville.