Vanessa Gallman

Vanessa Gallman, a freelance columnist for Kentucky Lantern, worked for more than two decades as editorial page editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She was also a local government editor for The Washington Post and a national correspondent for Knight-Ridder Inc.

Commentary: What’s driving attacks on books, diversity, even history? Fear of losing control

There is no way that Kentucky – an overwhelmingly white and Republican state – is in danger of being somehow overtaken by supporters of diversity efforts. Yet while demanding free-speech rights, some lawmakers demonize mere discussions contrary to conservative thought, writes columnist Vanessa Gallman.

By Vanessa Gallman

What now? Child care in Kentucky faces a cliff as pandemic-era federal aid has ended

Innovative state child care programs need time and certainty in order to be successful, writes Vanessa Gallman for Kentucky Lantern.

By Vanessa Gallman

Child care — the workforce behind the workforce — is in crisis in Kentucky

The state needs a comprehensive refashioning of all early-childhood education — including what’s offered in schools — into a more seamless system, argue children’s advocates.

By Vanessa Gallman