Activist Dakota Allen responds to publication criticizing social media and protest statements
By: Noel Hardin
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Dakota Allen, a St. Joseph school teacher and local activist, has issued a statement defending themselves after a media report scrutinized their social media posts and political activism.
The report, from the publication The Heartlander, highlighted Allen’s online posts containing criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Donald Trump.
It also focused on Allen’s participation in chants of “86, 47” at political rallies, a phrase allegedly related to calling for an assassination.
In their response, Allen refuted this interpretation.
They stated that the phrase “86, 47” is a common protest chant meaning “impeach Donald Trump,” explaining that “86” is slang for removing something from a restaurant menu, and thus from office.
“It is not only lacking in logic, research, and critical thinking to conclude that hundreds of protestors including myself were calling for the death of a sitting president, it is downright irresponsible,” Allen said.
Addressing concerns about their language, Allen noted their social media activity is conducted on platforms with age restrictions.
“My choice of language in my posts is intentional, and reserved for a space that is legally restricted for minors under the age of 14 in our state,” they stated.
Allen characterized the report as a politically motivated attack.
“These were opinion pieces designed to attack,” Allen said, questioning the publication’s journalistic standards and funding sources.
Regarding their profession, Allen asserted their activism is separate from their teaching.
“I can be a passionate activist and a passionate advocate for people, while also being an advocate for my students in very different ways,” they said, citing their teaching record.
Allen further went on to say that they think it is unfortunate that these actions are being called out, when there are more pressing issues St. Joseph should be worried about, such as what is best for their neighbors and how to make the city more attractive to people.
