Mary-Elizabeth Baccus

Mary-Elizabeth Baccus is a voice of unwavering conviction and compassion, advocating for systems that serve people with dignity, especially children. She believes that every child deserves the fundamentals, nutritious meals and a safe place to sleep, because without meeting these basic needs, it is unreasonable to expect children to thrive in educational environments. For her, schools should not just be institutions of learning but sanctuaries where both minds and bodies are nourished.

Mary-Elizabeth also champions the reintroduction of structure and reflection into classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, proposing meditation periods and the opportunity for students to pray with peers of the same faith. In her view, these practices can offer spiritual grounding while maintaining inclusivity. She also sees value in reviving the Pledge of Allegiance, not as a mechanical exercise, but as a daily reminder of a collective commitment to liberty and justice for all, with children at the center of that promise.

On issues of justice, she is firm and clear: the federal legalization of cannabis is long overdue. Mary-Elizabeth calls for the immediate release of individuals incarcerated solely for marijuana-related offenses, underscoring the hypocrisy of a government that profits from legalized sales while continuing to punish those affected by outdated laws. Her stance on protecting the vulnerable, particularly children, is uncompromising. She believes that predators and abusers, from public figures to those exploiting minors, should face the highest levels of accountability, rejecting any leniency or rehabilitative narrative. In her view, certain crimes are beyond rehabilitation and demand swift and irreversible consequences, a reflection of her firm belief in protecting society’s most vulnerable.

Mary-Elizabeth is also a strong advocate for reproductive rights, framing them as fundamental human rights. She urges that conversations about abortion, especially those invoking religious values, begin with compassion and unconditional support for women. To her, this is the truest reflection of faith: loving without judgment and standing by people in their most difficult moments. She extends this philosophy to LGBTQ+ rights as well, believing that every individual deserves dignity, safety, and freedom to live authentically (except in sports).

Her views extend to healthcare and education, which she firmly believes should be universally accessible. She argues that access to wellness and knowledge must not be reserved for those who can afford it, and that it’s long past time for both sectors to be made free. Furthermore, she challenges nonprofit organizations to be transparent and accountable. In her words, tax exemptions should be earned through measurable impact, not just good intentions or publicity.

Mary-Elizabeth Baccus continues to be a powerful and principled advocate for justice, equity, and community-centered leadership. Her voice is a call for meaningful change and action, reminding us all that leadership is about service, integrity, and standing firm for what truly matters.