Parental Advocacy in Education
Empowering Parents, Improving Education: Advocating for Our Children's Future
The Hanover Township Board of Education is currently embroiled in a legal tussle with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin over Board Policy 8463, titled "Parental Notice of Material Circumstances." This policy requires school staff to inform parents about issues that could have a material impact on their child's physical, mental, and social/emotional well-being, including, but not limited to, matters related to sexuality and gender identity.
Recently, numerous educational advocates supporting parental rights and children's well-being have attempted to defend against the censorship label to no avail or benefit for their cause. In asserting their general opposition to censorship, they are appeasing the bad-faith actors in this debate and inadvertently ceding ground in the debate. It is crucial for those championing the mindful selection of materials in school libraries to ignore the censorship label and focus on reinforcing their arguments with facts, historical context, and legal precedent.
In a crucial turn of events, my attorneys filed an amended complaint on April 20, 2023. This updated filing, strengthened by new information obtained through my Open Public Record Act (OPRA) requests, has unveiled previously hidden aspects of the case, substantially bolstering our position. The participation of numerous officials lends weight to the notion of a well-orchestrated conspiracy against me.
The North Hanover Parents page has long served as a treasured platform where parents can exchange information, advice, and support. Regrettably, recent developments have dramatically shifted the atmosphere of this formerly constructive space. It is with a heavy heart that I must recognize the page's descent into a breeding ground for hostility, where a single viewpoint prevails, effectively silencing others and cultivating an environment of animosity and division.
In today's world, the way in which information is communicated and received has a profound impact on our understanding of reality. The narrative that dominates the conversation has the power to shape our beliefs, values, and perspectives, even if it is far from the truth. The spread of misinformation and the suppression of dissenting voices can have serious consequences for our society and our democracy. This article delves into the various methods employed to stifle dissenting voices, including censorship, character assassination, and retaliation, and their consequences, as seen through my eyes, within our community.
The Northern Burlington Regional School District holds a paramount duty to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all students and community members, regardless of their beliefs or opinions. Yet, recent emails obtained through an OPRA request reveal a hostile reality where diversity of thought is suppressed, and respect is only granted to those with "correct" opinions.
The New Jersey School Ethics Act was enacted with the noble intention of promoting ethical behavior among school board members. However, in recent years, it has been utilized as a tool to stifle the free speech rights of board members who express their opinions on matters of public concern. This misuse of the act has resulted in an unnecessary burden on taxpayers who must bear the cost of defending against meritless complaints.
New Jersey's primary law mandating the teaching of LGBTQ+ issues in public schools is bill A4454 (codified N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.36a), officially titled "An Act concerning diversity and inclusion." Signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on March 1, 2021, this law requires that all public schools in the state incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion, including gender identity and sexual orientation, for grades kindergarten through 12.
In recent years, the topic of sexuality, gender identity, and sexual freedom has become increasingly prevalent in schools. While schools claim they are promoting "acceptance" and "tolerance," some parents are concerned that the materials and discussions being presented to their children are not age-appropriate. Furthermore, they feel they are being silenced and labeled as bigoted or intolerant if they voice their objections. This article aims to address the concerns of these parents and promote open and honest discussion without resorting to name-calling or labeling.
COVID-19 is currently putting the education system to the test by forcing face-to-face learning environments to quickly move online. As an educator who has implemented online instruction both as an elementary teacher and private tutor, here are a few recommendations in an effort to help make the transition from face-to-face learning to online modalities efficient… Continue reading Ideas for Distance Learning
Parental Advocacy in Education 