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On August 31st, conservative stalwarts Moms for Liberty, PragerU, and The Heritage Foundation will host a “March for Kids” that they say will be attended by more than 100 organizations. The missions that these groups embrace include advocating for a parental rights statute in every state, a federal law to “protect” girls’ sports and stop the gender transition of children under 18, and measures to increase the availability of school choice. Many of these objectives are aimed at controlling the bodies of kids and giving parents leverage to make decisions on behalf of their children. These policies don’t provide a path to a more equitable or better future for our kids. Instead, they are based in fearmongering about both LGBTQ+ students and public education.
The so-called March for Kids invites people to “Join us for the National “March for Kids” to protect parental rights in the United States.” A “March for Kids” that aims “to protect parental rights” clearly has a misaligned mission. The parental rights movement has already stripped students across the country of their ability to make their own decisions. A major pillar of the movement has been pushing legislation that requires students to be outed to their parents, regardless of factors such as potential for abuse at home or consent from the student.
Teachers, parents, and librarians all have essential, distinct roles in an academic setting. The discriminatory beliefs and fearmongering around public education pushed by the parental rights movement can sometimes obscure the fact that parents do, actually, have an important role in their child’s education. Researchers have found strong connections between family involvement and academic achievement. Parents have many beneficial ways to supplement a child’s school experience without dictating curriculum or attempting to control the bodies of LGBTQ+ students.
Freedom of Religion Advocates Fight Back (and win!)
Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently blocked the opening of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a faith-based online charter school in Oklahoma. Citing concerns over both state and federal constitutionality, the court ruled against the attempt to open St. Isidore, which received controversial approval from a state school board in 2023. Following the ruling, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said “This decision is a tremendous victory for religious liberty. The framers of the U.S. Constitution and those who drafted Oklahoma’s Constitution clearly understood how best to protect religious freedom: by preventing the State from sponsoring any religion at all.”
Louisiana: Religious leaders have been working to oppose the Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools. Four members of the clergy were plaintiffs in a lawsuit that says this requirement “unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance.” Reverand Jeff Sims, a Presbyterian pastor and father of Louisiana public school students who is a plaintiff in the case, said: “I want my children to understand Scripture in the context of our faith, which honors God’s diversity and preaches all people are equal. This law interferes with my religious freedom — it tramples on it.”
Events & Resources for Action
Defense of Democracy is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization advocating for inclusivity and emotional and physical safety for all within the American public school and library systems. Founded by two moms in upstate New York, the organization supports educators “who present historically and scientifically accurate information” and encourages “initiatives that enhance Americans’ shared experiences” regardless of identity. They host a podcast that explores topics such as “the influence of dark money in schools.”
Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. (AJE)seeks to empower families, youth, and the community through accountability, accessibility, and commitment to children and families. AJE holds trainings and workshops for both youth and parents that aim to unpack the education system and students’ rights and responsibilities.
On Saturday, August 31st, People for the American Way will be hosting a Celebration of Reading to counter Moms for Liberty’s extremist march and ”send a message to politicians and fear mongers who seek to divide us, to empower bullies, to silence our children and our families, and to tell us that our diversity is a liability.”