Monday Briefing: Navigating the National Debate on Parents' Rights in Education
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The New Hampshire Senate has passed HB1205, which restricts transgender girls from participating in girls' sports in public schools from grades 5 to 12. The bill, supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats, also prohibits athletic associations like the NHIAA from addressing complaints about gender segregation enforcement in sports. Additionally, it allows students harmed by non-compliance to sue schools. Governor Sununu has expressed agreement with the bill's goals but has not confirmed if he will sign it. Advocates urge the public to contact the Governor's office to support the bill.
The Cobb County School Board in Georgia, facing backlash for removing books with sexually explicit content from school libraries, has stood firm. Since September 2023, when explicit materials were first removed, critics have pushed to oust Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. Despite this, in early 2024, the board reviewed 23 additional books for explicit content. Superintendent Ragsdale maintains a strict stance against such materials in education, emphasizing a moral binary in the debate. Supporters are urged to contact him and board members to express backing.
A federal appeals court ruled that Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools do not have to let parents opt their K-5 children out of LGBTQ-related curriculum. The 2-1 decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's denial of a preliminary injunction, arguing that exposure to contrary ideas, even for religious reasons, does not violate the First Amendment. The court stated that this exposure is part of the compromise of public schooling. This decision affects parents from various faiths and a parental rights group.
California's Assembly Bill 1955, introduced by Assemblyman Chris Ward, prohibits school districts from mandating staff to notify parents if a student appears to be transgender. This bill aims to prevent "forced outing" of LGBTQ students and protect employees from district retaliation. It includes provisions for counseling and mental health services for affected students and families. Having undergone significant amendments, AB1955 will require further approvals in both the Senate and Assembly before potentially being signed by the governor.
Affiliate Shoutout:
Sara Olsen
Local Affiliate Leader
Affiliate Location: Galesville Ettrick Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Bio:
Sara became a PRE affiliate because her goal is to leave a legacy not only for her kids and future grandkids but for all kids! She is running for the G-E-T school board in 2025 because she is concerned about this country and the path local schools are currently on.
Thank you, Sara for protecting K-12 students by standing up for parents' rights!