Don and Damara Andrade are married, parents, and self-described Christian apologists, a branch of Christian theology that defends Christianity.
They co-host a podcast called The Hitch Apologists, where they defend their faith through logical reasoning and research. But lately, their focus has turned to an issue they see as even more urgent: protecting children from sexually explicit content in public schools.
“We have one daughter, she’s 10,” Damara says. “She’s our only child, so she’s pretty spoiled—but also our biggest motivation.”
The couple has compiled a document titled A Parent’s Guide to 125+ Explicit Books in the Albuquerque Public Schools. “These are books that have sexually explicit content in them,” Don says. “They’re available to elementary, middle, and high school students—without parental consent.”
Despite their research and documentation, the couple has faced backlash. “We’ve been called book banners,” Don says. “But most of those accusations are emotional reactions–people haven’t looked at the books themselves.”
They argue that critics often rely on ideological assumptions instead of engaging directly with the evidence. “If you really believe what’s good for you is good for you, and what’s good for me is good for me, that’s relativism. But relativism has no objective standard,” he says.
The couple says they’ve had support from across political and religious lines. “We know people who aren’t Christians who are against this stuff,” Damara says. “It’s not about religion—it’s about common sense.”
They’re adamant that their cause is a moral rather than theological issue. “You can look at the content and see it’s inappropriate regardless of your faith background,” Don explains.
When a bill titled SB 552 was introduced in the New Mexico legislature to protect school library materials, the Andrades and their supporters acted. “If that bill had passed, it would have silenced parents for two years from raising concerns about these books,” Don says.
One of their allies, former legislator Rebecca Dow, threatened to filibuster by reading excerpts from the books on the floor. The bill was ultimately tabled.
Still, the couple finds the response from public schools lacking. They say some schools are installing internet filters to block inappropriate websites while leaving graphic books on open shelves. “There’s no consistency,” Don says. “It doesn’t make sense.”
The couple draws a stark comparison to addictive substances, and warn that repeated exposure desensitizes children, eroding boundaries and pushing them toward riskier behaviors. “It’s called the law of diminishing returns,” Damara says. “You start with mild material, and then it’s not enough. That’s how addictions start.”
The Andrades argue that their guide makes a difference. They say their printing press operator, who initially thought the couple were “book-banning bigots,” changed his mind after reading the guide. “Within five minutes, he completely reversed his opinion,” Don says.
They insist their effort is not about imposing their faith, but is about protecting children. “Free speech should not trump the safety of our children,” Don says. “This boils down to consent. Parents should know what their kids are exposed to.”
Their guide is available for free as a downloadable PDF on their website, TheHitchApologists.com, and the couple also accepts donations through their GiveSendGo campaign to cover printing costs. “Our goal is grassroots,” Damara says. “Getting this into the hands of as many parents and grandparents as possible.”
