My real concern is that we're having this discussion at all.  Forty years ago (maybe 50) did parents have to worry about teachers pushing "controversial" reading material on their students?  No.  And somehow kids still got as good an education or better than what is offered today.

Is anyone seriously arguing that critical thinking skills require students to read about rapes, genocide, "gender issues," or violence against children?  If that is the only thing that a teacher can come up with to promote intelligent discussion among teenagers, then the teacher needs to change professions.

I recommend teachers look back at what was required reading half a century ago (or more) and try loading those books into their canon.  If a student is interested in more recent fare, encourage them to explore it on their own.

Teachers need to remember their role is to teach basic skills, not inculcate personal views or indoctrinate preferred ideologies.  This rule is a tool for parents to remind teachers of that.  Please pass it.