Action | Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/15/2014 |
I ask that the board reject this amendment. I believe the language in it is too vague and that this amendment is a "solution in search of a problem." What does "sensitive" or "controversial" even mean? Could a parent opt a child out of reading Frederick Douglass because slavery is "offensive" in that parent's mind? What about an article on climate change? Could that be considered "controversial"? Public education must serve ALL children. Each school district has rigorous standards as they choose material that is age-appropriate and educationally valuable. Parents already have legal rights and representation at the state and local level to safeguard those rights. There was a time when public education was trusted by the public. I'm not sure when that changed, but I do expect the agency in charge of public education in Virginia to SUPPORT education and educators, not to be the weapon that is used against it. I believe this amendment is the work of a small minorty of Virginians who do not have the best interests of Virginia's school children at heart. I urge the board to protect Virginia's student by rejecting this unnecessary amendment.