Parents' Rights Now‪!‬ Suzanne Gallagher

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In the U.S., a national push to reform K-12 education through policy and law changes is gaining momentum, driven by organizations, NGOs, and lobbyists. This movement is notably propelled by the SIECUS initiative, originally established in 1964 to promote comprehensive sex education. SIECUS has evolved, promoting sex education as a vehicle for broad cultural shifts towards sexual and reproductive freedoms. Their "Sex Ed for Social Change" campaign aims to influence societal norms and rights related to sexual health by integrating these lessons into school curriculums. Critics argue that this approach promotes a liberal agenda, extending beyond education to include broader social influences.


The campaign has led to a significant rise in legislative actions with SIECUS at the helm of the Sex Education Policy Action Council (SEPAC), collaborating with various state entities to propagate comprehensive sex education policies. This coordinated effort seeks to increase the adoption of these policies at all levels of government and boost the number of policymakers supportive of comprehensive sex education.


Despite the advocacy for educational and social change, there has been a notable backlash with a marked increase in parental rights bills and restrictive legislation concerning sexual and reproductive health education. This resistance highlights a growing divide over the role of education in shaping societal values and the rights of parents in overseeing their children's education. The battle lines are drawn as both sides mobilize to shape the future cultural landscape through the educational system.


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In January 2023, the New York legislature passed a proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) for the second time, setting a ballot date for November 2024. The amendment seeks to ban discrimination based on various identifiers including sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among others. Proponents emphasize its potential to enhance abortion access post-Roe v. Wade. Critics, however, argue that the ERA could also advance gender ideology and weaken parental rights by enabling minors to access gender-affirming treatments without parental consent. They express concern that this could include treatments as significant as puberty blockers and genital surgery, facilitated by a broad interpretation of "person" in existing laws which include minors. Critics urge public awareness of these implications before the vote.
The Louisiana House Committee on Education recently advanced House Bill 121, termed the "Given Name Act," which mandates the use of transgender and nonbinary students' birth names and pronouns in public K-12 schools, barring written permission from parents. This bill, passed along a 9-3 party-line vote, also allows school employees to refuse using certain pronouns contrary to their religious or moral beliefs. Further, it includes provisions for parents to request a teacher transfer if there's a disagreement on pronoun use based on teacher's convictions. The bill has been amended and progresses through the House, urging public engagement and monitoring.
In Montana, a lawsuit has been filed by students, educators, and organizations challenging the 2021 law mandating parental notification 48 hours before discussing "human sexuality" in schools. The plaintiffs argue the law is vague, stifling free speech and educational quality, and threatens privacy and due process rights under the state Constitution. They contend the law prevents open dialogue on topics like gender identity and sexual health, limiting educational opportunities and potentially exposing LGBTQ+ students to further discrimination and bullying. Montana's government defends the law as protecting parental rights to oversee their children's exposure to sexually explicit content.
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In this episode of the Parents Rights in Education podcast, Hanna introduces the podcast's mission to empower parents in their child's education through free trainings and community support. Suzanne Gallagher then speaks with guest Amy Breitenstein, a new school board member from Moses Lake, Washington. Amy shares her motivation for running, driven by a desire to enact change rather than just complain. She discusses a contentious issue in her district— the construction of a smaller, project-based learning school instead of a second traditional high school, which has caused community frustration due to mismanagement and underutilization.
Amy and Suzanne discuss the importance of parental voice in education decisions, highlighting how endorsements from organizations like Parents Rights in Education can influence school board elections. Amy emphasizes engaging the community to address bullying and improve school policies, recognizing the need for clear consequences for misbehavior. Suzanne advises leveraging supporter networks for effective community engagement. The podcast closes with an invitation for parents to join their movement and utilize their resources for effective school board involvement.
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In this episode of The Parents' Rights in Education podcast, we dive into the contentious debate over whether local school board elections should be partisan. Traditionally, these races have been non-partisan, intended to keep the focus on educational issues rather than political ideology. However, the reality often paints a different picture, as candidates typically come with ideological leanings and party affiliations, which can be misleading to voters.
We explore how proponents of partisan elections, like Arizona Senator Justine Wadsack, argue that such transparency is necessary to give voters clear, honest information about where candidates stand on crucial educational policies. This could potentially lead to better-informed decisions that directly impact children's education.
On the other hand, critics worry that introducing explicit partisanship could heighten tensions and further politicize school boards, making these roles even more contentious and potentially deterring qualified candidates.
We also discuss the impact of low voter turnout in these elections and how clearer party affiliations might encourage greater voter engagement by making it easier for voters to understand candidates' platforms.
Join us as we unpack the complexities of this issue, looking at both sides of the argument, and consider what the future of school board elections might hold. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how this change could affect educational governance and what it means for parental rights in education.
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Ohio's House Bill 183, termed the "Bathroom Bill," mandates that K-12 public schools and higher education institutions designate bathrooms based on biological sex. Introduced by Republican Representatives Beth Lear and Adam Bird, it aims to ensure safety, according to its proponents. However, the bill has encountered significant opposition, with over 100 detractors arguing it discriminates against transgender students. A committee vote is imminent, with significant Republican support anticipated.
Arizona's SB1097, proposed by Senator Justine Wadsack, seeks to make school board elections partisan. The bill has passed initial stages with party-line support in the Republican-majority Senate and House committee. The Arizona School Boards Association opposes the measure, citing concerns about partisanship in educational governance. Advocates argue the change would better inform voters by revealing candidates' political affiliations. The full House vote is pending, with significant implications for party representation in elections.
A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 51% of Americans believe public K-12 education is heading in the wrong direction, citing insufficient focus on core academic subjects, politicization by teachers, and inadequate funding as key concerns. Only 16% see it as moving in the right direction. Partisan differences are notable, with Republicans and Democrats diverging on the reasons for their dissatisfaction. The survey highlights a growing discontent with the direction of educational policy in the U.S.
In Portland, Oregon, a lawsuit has been filed against Portland Public Schools, Multnomah County, and a nonprofit after a 9-year-old girl was allegedly raped by classmates at Scott Elementary School and its after-school program. Seeking $9 million, the suit claims negligence in monitoring and training, failing to report the incident promptly, and inadequately handling the victim's complaints of earlier sexual harassment. The legal action underscores serious concerns about student safety and response protocols in educational settings.
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