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How Does Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Impact Our Schools?

13

We’re about to enter the first school year after the Supreme Court’s sweeping redefinition of marriage, a decision that will deeply impact our children’s schools and education. Today I want to share a Q&A with Focus on the Family’s Education Analyst, Candi Cushman, where she’ll help explain how the legalization of same-sex marriage will affect the way we educate our children.  –JD

***

Q. Give us the big picture: How will this court decision change the environment in our schools?
I believe our school system is exactly where this decision hits closest to home—it will be the most deeply felt on a practical level by millions of moms, dads, and kids.  In particular, we’ll face challenges in three areas:

  1. Parents’ rights to direct when and how their children are taught about sensitive topics concerning sexuality, family and marriage.
  2. Students’ free speech rights to express a biblical point of view.
  3. Private schools’ and home schools’ freedoms to set their own standards, regulations and curriculum. This, in turn, impacts the freedom of families to choose Christian education environments for their children.

Q: Let’s unpack this a little more. Taking the first point, how exactly will parental rights be impacted?
The best way to illustrate that is to describe the first warning signs we saw—a foreshadowing so to speak—when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.  Almost immediately, educators there who wanted to advance sexual activism in the classroom began to use that decision as cover to promote controversial, sexual topics in the name of “tolerance” and “diversity.”

For instance, during an interview featured on NPR, an eighth-grade teacher expressed her exuberance over her new-found freedom to describe homosexuality in the classroom.  “In my mind, I know that, ‘OK, this is legal now.’ If somebody wants to challenge me, I’ll say, ‘Give me a break. It’s legal now,’” she told NPR.  Disturbingly, the NPR reporter went on to explain that the teacher now discusses “gay sex” with students “thoroughly and explicitly with a chart.”

It was equally disturbing to watch what happened at the elementary level in that state. For instance, some parents expressed dismay – to no avail – that their kindergarteners and first graders had been familiarized with books promoting homosexuality and same-sex marriage without the parents’ permission.

The Associated Press reported on the school’s response: “Officials there say that since same-sex marriage is a part of life in Massachusetts, it comes up naturally and it’s impossible to notify parents every time the issue is discussed.” The issue eventually landed in court, where state judges ruled against the parents.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision is only going to open the flood gates wider for that kind of flagrant disregard for parents’ rights.

Q: But parents have historically had the right to exempt kids— “opt them out”— from controversial lessons about sexually related topics. Are you saying that right is no longer recognized?
That’s a key question!  What a lot of people don’t realize is that many state education policies only make allowances for parents to opt their kids out of instruction that is categorized as “sex education” or “health.” So it becomes extremely difficult for parents to stay on top of these topics when they are moved out of “sex education” and re-categorized into more general “tolerance” or “family life” topics, which often can be brought up in any classroom subject.

That’s why the reaction of the Massachusetts school officials after their state legalized same-sex marriage was so disturbing. Essentially, they were saying it could now come up in class at any time and “it’s impossible to notify parents.”

We’ve been seeing this trend for a while now, and it’s only going to increase more rapidly with this court decision affecting all 50 states – whether it’s books promoting the redefinition of marriage, crossword puzzles introducing third graders to the idea of changing one’s sex, or the graphic promotion of sexual experimentation.

Q: That’s really sobering. How do you put that in perspective for people who might be feeling overwhelmed?
While we can’t ignore the serious consequences, at the same time, I do not believe we should despair.  There are signs of hope. Consider, for instance, the nationwide reaction against Common Core. This is a parent-led movement, and it’s had a huge impact in stemming the national-standards tidal wave, even at the federal level.

That sends a strong signal that, at a fundamental level, there is still deep regard for parental rights in this country. It also demonstrates the power of passionate people to create change!

Consider also all the backlash we are currently witnessing against the atrocities within the abortion industry – even to the point where there is serious discussion of defunding Planned Parenthood. This is happening despite the existing Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. So clearly it would be a mistake to “grow weary of doing good” and lose heart at this crucial moment in our history.

Q: Is there anything parents, and other concerned citizens, can do right now?
We can work proactively to strengthen parental rights.  A helpful tool is the model parental rights policy on Focus’ TrueTolerance.org action center.

We can also be proactive about strengthening the freedoms of families to choose the best education options for their children. There are many excellent groups on the frontlines of this movement. Just to name a few:

  • Focus on the Family’s state policy councils
  • The Heritage Foundation
  • The Home School Legal Defense Association

***

I trust you found this to be a helpful and informative interview, but we’ve just barely skimmed the surface. Candi will be back in the coming weeks to share how the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision will further impact education, especially in the area of students’ free speech rights.

In the meanwhile, I want to hear from you. What are your concerns when it comes to your child’s education? Are you considering any changes to your kids’ current educational plans as a result of the Supreme Court’s legally redefining marriage? Questions for Candi might be featured in her upcoming post, so please be sure to ask your questions in the comments section, below.

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Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, parenting, policy, religious liberty July 29, 2015 by Jim Daly

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Leave a Comment

Anonymous More than 1 year ago
God rules and is the same yesterday as he is today. He changes not!!! If he made you a man he didn't make a mistake. If he made you a woman he didn't make a mistake. He made both male and female.Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve and Eve and Eve. He created them both male and female, all that other stuff, transgender etc is the foolishness of man and their sinful desires. I love what my Father loves and hate what my Father hates and yes I am a believer!!!!
[removed] More than 1 year ago
This comment has been deleted
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Wow, I'd really encourage you to re-read what you wrote, especially, "For someone to voice an opinion saying that another's lifestyle is wrong is, in itself, an unacceptable action."  That is really dangerous thinking.  I do agree with you that we do need to respect some differences in people and pursue understanding and good relationships.  But this has a limit.  According to your view any lifestyle choices a person makes should never be challenged.  What if your neighbor's personal lifestyle was to be sexually attracted to your kids (or someone's kids, if you don't have kids)....what if this was his or her's personal sexual orientation and they looked for ways to make sexual advances towards your children.  Could you tell this person that they are wrong and would you call the police?  What would you tell your children?  Would you say something like, "Hey kids, it'd okay that our neighbor wants to have sex with you.  That's her lifestyle.  We can't say it's wrong.  If you feel it's okay to respond to her advances, go for it!  Explore your sexuality.  Maybe this is the lifestyle for you too."  

Or what if someone's personal lifestyle was to be a thief and that is "who they are".  According to you no one should declare these actions and lifestyle wrong.  And not only that, you state that to even think that these things are wrong is in itself wrong.  

Do you see the problem with your logic?  I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you do have limits on what should be tolerated.  

There are limitations to what any society should tolerate and it's okay to declare something wrong.  The question is how do we decide what is right or wrong?  Some would say let's not make any moral judgements and let's all just love one another.  Sounds great if the only person in your world is you.  But we live in a world where people often hurt each other in various ways.  People actually do things that are wrong.  Something inside us says, "this ought not be."  So some things....some lifestyle choices are wrong, like the two mentioned above.  

I'm not saying that Christians should go on and on condemning LBTG people.  That's not helpful.  And I'm not looking to condemn anyone who is attracted to the same gender. We have sexually charged culture with all kinds of sexual brokenness.  Let's not make LBTG actions or preferences the top evil to be confronted. Christians do need to change their attitude on this, but they don't need to change their opinion on the matter if it's something they disagree with.  And their opinions and rights need to be protected and not silenced in the public square. Both sides of the debate need to seek understanding and not seek to demean the other side.  LBTG supporters are just as at fault in their condemnation and judgement of those with whom they differ.  They are guilty of violating their own virtue of not judging others.  Their voice was once silenced and now they have a voice, which is fine.  But they should not look to silence the voice of those who have different opinions than them or push an agenda that makes Christian's look like idiots and fools and hate mongers.  It is true that there are a few Christians who are idiots, fools and very hateful people, but the vast majority are not.  Let's stop the demonizing on both sides and let's have a civil and logical discussion.

I don't know what is going to happen in schools, but what I hope will happen is not brainwashing from anyone....talk openly and honestly about issues of our day....represent both sides well and be wise on how and when to teach our kids about hard topics.  
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Although I don't know the commenter you're responding to, I'm betting his or her opinion on people doing what they please is within the context of not hurting anybody else. Two adults engaging in a relationship should not be anybody else's concern. Of course it's wrong if somebody's lifestyle includes having sex with children, because children aren't adults and children can't give consent. Of course it's wrong if somebody's lifestyle is to be a thief, because their lifestyle is hurting somebody else. Many may find the gay lifestyle offensive to look at or consider, but it is not hurting anybody else if they are consenting adults. A trangender may disturb you, but it is their body and they aren't hurting you. I'm welling to bet a pretty penny that the commenter you're responding to would agree with me.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
I know many parents who have pretty much thrown in the towel on these things.  They are so busy with work and other concerns that they do not believe that they have time to engage with their school district or can afford the time or money to homeschool or send their kids to a Christian school.  They rest in the hope that their influence upon their children and perhaps Church activities will keep their children from being influenced from the harmful messages of public education.  In some cases, I've heard, "You have to take the good with the bad...", but I think that in this case God would disagree.

Engaging public education to hear and at least give equal time to the message of Christ takes take time and effort, as does seeking an educational alternative, but I think that as Christians it is important to pray and search the Scriptures for God's priority on this issue of how to raise up our children.  God's Word is not silent on this!  A good place to begin is Deuteronomy 6:5-9.  Many would be surprised to see how publicly we are directed to share God's messages.

By studying His Word, I am certain that he will hold us accountable for how we have been stewards of His gifts of children.  This is not to say that there will not be prodigals despite prayer and best efforts on the parent's part, but that the many being lost to the culture that we relegate authority to could be reached through education from the Christian worldview.  It has worked for generations.

God never asks us to do anything too hard (although sometimes it looks that way) and raising up our children in faithfulness to Him is still possible.  In addition to some of the resources mentioned below, I'd like to add the group at the Exodus Mandate ministry (http://exodusmandate.org/) have been working on charting out how it may be possible for you to seek a Christian education for your child.  Their name is an indicator that they believe that you will come to the conclusion that if you cannot change the public school system, then you must find a way to take your children away from it so that we can fulfill our biblical mandate to raise our children in the fear and Word of the Lord.


Mike
Margaret Parajon More than 1 year ago
Parentalrights.org founded by Michael Farris is also working to get added a parental rights amendment to our Constitution to protect our rights as parents to raise our children as we see fit.  "PROPOSED PARENTAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION 
SECTION 1 
   The liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. 
SECTION 2
    The parental right to direct education includes the right to choose public, private, religious, or home schools, and the right to make reasonable choices within public schools for one's child.
SECTION 3
    Neither the United States nor any state shall infringe these rights without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served. 
SECTION 4
   This article shall not be construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life. 
SECTION 5
    No treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this article."
 (go to their website to see what you can do to help get this amendment passed)

Cathryn Merring More than 1 year ago
I am now a grandmother of 4 boys having raised my three children. My husband and just recently completed a 5 year period of time when we had to raise 2 of the four boys because their mother had a drug problem. Fortunately she had proved that she wanted the boys back and showed that she could stay clean for 2 years and we gave them back to her a year ago. Just before we did that, my husband felt a great desire to have 'the talk' with them about sex. We were very candid and thorough with them and made sure we stated the truth about what God designed sex to be and whom it was for. We also emphasized that they may hear differently at school from friends, etc. I think that we MUST as parents and grandparents who know the truth, take the offensive position on all the moral issues that have been turned upside down in our culture. I think it is important to portray side by side God's truth and the so called "truth" that the world claims to believe about each issue. We must emphasize that even though it seems like everyone says that the distortions of truth are real and the way it should be, they really aren't true. That if you take even a lie and repeat it enough and say it in a way that sounds reasonable, eventually people will believe it.That is what has happened to truth in many issues of our culture today. Only God can establish real truth and one day everyone will see that. The only we we can know what is true is to know what God says about it in the bible, His word. He has graciously given it to us as a guide to read, study and learn from.
Charmé Fletcher More than 1 year ago
Thank you for stepping up (as Focus on the Family always has) to uphold the moral values and rights of the Christian family and God's absolute truths in a world that is sadly turning more and more away from our One True God.  You are amongst the "greats" of the Bible, including the prophet Jeremiah, who grieved along with God over the stubborn hearts of Israel, yet continued to warn the people of God's impending judgment.  Many, just like today, turn to false teachers/prophets who have a comforting message of peace and tolerance toward sin, rather than believing and trusting in the authoritative Word of God...and the preachers who are not wavering in the Holy doctrines of the Bible.  You are in our prayers.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
How is it that the United States Supreme Court of justice can be in such a position  over the voice of the people,  and turn something that is totally wrong, into something  that is right and make it a law? What type of world are we living in? If you want to be nastyand turn your natural use into that which is unnatural that is on you  but don't try to make what you are doing which is wrong into a law and call it right because it is not right. Two wrongs still does not make it right. Marriage is between a man and a woman to reproduce children and not put them in a situation of confusion were they looking at two mommies and or two daddies and not understand if they are a boy or girl, man or woman.such utter confusion and I am not buying the lie.I am appauled at the Supreme Court's decision to legalize gay marriages. this court system is a joke.We the People said no to same-sex marriages!!!! what are you going to legalize next cocaine, human beings marrying animals?
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Since homosexuality is s part of life, they feel a need to teach about it? Christianity is a big part of a lot of people's lives, so they should teach about it. At least, this is a contradiction that could be brought up. Or say that Muslims would be offended. Presenting a biblical case would be best, but I'm not sure how to do that in a way that would be received.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Where is the family resource council for the state of Georgia?
edswall More than 1 year ago
I wish to note that I share your concerns about the possible negative consequences of the Supreme Courts ruling as regards same-sex, but with all due respect to you, Jim Daley, and Candi Cushman, I seriously question Focus on the Families' thoughtfulness when I hear you compare any of this to the Common Core Standards. I grew up in Tennessee where mathematics standards were not something people even discussed seriously (and I have been told up until about 15 years ago not much had changed); I was, in a sense, lucky as my parents realized this and sent me to a private school (no, we were not well off and it was a substantial burden for my parents, but they were, by the way, exercising their parental rights).  

It was not a lot better in my children's schools although the state of Wisconsin did have mathematics standards (yes, there were mandated standards before the Common Core) although I stepped in once or so to stand up against some moderately unthoughtful choices in the local school system (this had noting to do with standards by the way, but with a somewhat doubtful view of how children learn). However, I didn't paint with a negative emotional brush, but with supported educational facts. Now I am watching as local school boards in my neck of the woods, in my opinion, have ignored mathematics standards to the detriment of their students. I have a grandson who graduated near the top of his class (and that includes mathematics), went to the local community college to enroll in a pre-engineering program and found that he did not have the mathematics he need to even begin. This I understand is changing because his former school has been informed, it seems, that the state of Minnesota has adopted the Common Core Standards. In my opinion, perhaps hurrah! (I say 'perhaps' because mandating standards and helping teachers accomplish them are two different things)

I understand all this is off subject, but, in my opinion, when you make considerably less than nuanced claims (and I do understand the issue of parental rights quite well as I have exercised mine and I do understand that some school boards tended to be more than rude; this is not new by the way), you seriously erode (for me) your overall credibility. I will debate anywhere the issue of the Common Core - the mathematics portion - anywhere and anytime. I have taught mathematics and been a mathematics educator for some time (I am now retired) so I am aware of the ongoing debate and, I note, it is far from as simple as parental rights; there is much more going on and I am find myself concerned that Focus chooses to be involved in the latter.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Edswall,

Reading Candi's comment and mention of the Common Core Curriculum, I did not come away with the sense that she was attacking those scholastic standards per se, but that he was citing them as a case where concerned and involved parents had made a difference.  I believe that Focus was holding this as an example that indicates that the situation is not hopeless if Christians engage the culture.  Isn't a main factor that these views have a bully pulpit in the schools is that those espousing them are no longer concerned about the Christian worldview infringing upon theirs?

We need to realize that the job of spreading the Good News--the Gospel--and reaching the culture,is ours as believers, and not just the pastor's alone (Matthew 28: 18-20).  We need to remember that we are rooted in truth and reason, which are far more substantial than opinion and emotion.


Mike
Kiel1913 . More than 1 year ago
We have always tried to give our daughters a faith based education.  Now that they are off to college we have tried to ensure orthodoxy in the colleges they attend. It is challenge!
Jim-Daly President of Focus on the Family
Jim Daly

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Jim-Daly Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.

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