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Opting out

Opting out of lessons and curricula

Parents, it is up to you to ensure that schools stop teaching students to hate themselves, each other, and their country. For starters, just say no to the following practices and outcomes:

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  • Affinity groups promote segregation and discrimination by dividing students into identity groups.

  • “Inclusivity surveys” create the need for more DEI by using data mining exercises that always lead to the conclusion that schools are not sufficiently inclusive.

  • Pronoun usage causes gender confusion and anxiety (the ADL has promoted gender identity since 2018). This isn’t about making children feel welcome. It’s meant to destabilize and teach them one worldview that isn’t grounded in science.

  • Grading for equity lowers standards but mostly harms children whose parents can’t supplement with tutors.

  • Privilege walks shame children based on immutable characteristics. 

  • Identity wheels teach children that their identity is their greatest accomplishment or biggest failure. Stop asking children how they identify.

  • Instead, teach students the Golden Rule and to tell the truth.

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Opting out of surveys

Schools like to have information about their students and families. Under the guise of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) or assessing the “school climate,” these surveys often resemble intake forms that one would fill in at the doctor’s office. Because they are biased and leading, surveys are potentially a cause for concern; this is particularly true when administered to younger children who don’t know how to respond and adolescents who may be similarly confused because that is the nature of “growing up.” Why do schools need to do this? Often the surveys want to understand race, sexual orientation, habits, gender, and feelings of “belonging" and inclusion. These survey results can lead to students receiving “unlicensed therapy” (SEL)  from teachers, who aren't trained mental health professionals. These are often biased, inappropriate developmentally, and confusing for children. Once you know what's going on, you can speak out or opt-out accordingly.  

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Questions To Ask

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  • What surveys do you ask students to complete?

  • Can I have a copy of any survey my child will be given?

  • What is the objective of the survey?

  • What will the school do with the information/data that you collect?

  • Ask the school to opt out if you are not comfortable, using opt out language based on the Federal FERPA and PPRA laws.

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Letter Template

I/We, ______________________________ (parent(s)/guardian(s) names) elect to opt-out my/our _______________________(Child(rens) Names and Grade Level) under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) from any survey or questionnaire at any of the schools of ___________________________________ school district that requires my/our children to answer questions specifically regarding race gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, family structure, and/or socio-economic status. We also explicitly do NOT consent to my/our children) participating in any federally-funded survey, analysis, or evaluation that will reveal:

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____ the student(s) own or parents political affiliation or beliefs

____ mental or psychological problems of the student(s) or family members

____ sex behavior or attitudes

____ illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior

____ critical appraisals of their family members, close friends, and legally recognized privileged relationships

        such as lawyers, doctors and ministers

____ the student(s) or parent(s) and/or guardian(s) religious affiliations or beliefs, or

____ income levels.

 

*If a survey is essential to the district's information, please send to us for inspection, and we will review and complete it.

Know your legal rights

Schools may include "Consent Forms" for survey participation in the Student Handbook or "Back to School Policies." Make sure you are not consenting to participate in surveys or other data collections when you sign and return an acknowledgment form.

 

Know Your Local Policies

Schools often have policies on the collection and use of student data. Some policies will be posted online. Know your school district policies. Follow your local school board and monitor the agenda for agreement contracts with third parties to collect data or administer DEI or SEL programs.

 

Know Your State Rules & Regulations

Your state may have specific laws on SEL programs or data collection. Know your state laws. Your state may allow for statewide opt-out or provide additional protections for student data. States adopt (promulgate) regulations that apply to all schools. Know whether your state mandates certain programs or specific data collection, particularly as part of SEL.

 

Know Your State's Open Records Act and File Open Records Request Procedures

This can be used to obtain program information and internal communications. You can file an open records request with your local school district to obtain the SEL curriculum, SEL program information, internal communications between school staff regarding any topic, and contracts with third parties to implement the SEL program and collect student data.

 

Your state law will include specific instructions on submitting an open records request. Your school may have a specific form or a contact person for you to submit your open records request. Follow school procedures when requesting information. See Parents Defending Education's Guide on filing open records requests.

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