The Intersection of Education, Politics, and Rights

Parental Rights. It’s a great catchphrase, but what does it actually mean? I’ll tell you, it is nothing new. Here is a bit of its history.

Michael Farris is a leading voice advocating for a radical shift in how children are educated. When speaking to his millionaire followers, he discusses the goal of taking down public education. His strategy involves siphoning off billions of dollars and directing them toward homeschooling. Farris, a conservative Christian lawyer, has long championed the cause of homeschooling, asserting that public education is a detriment to children and infringes upon the divine right of parents to direct their children's education.

Since the 1980s, Farris has been a staunch critic of public schools, branding them as godless monstrosities that indoctrinate children into a secular worldview amounting to a godless religion.
Farris's advocacy extends to several constitutional challenges, particularly against schools addressing gender identity or race. He hopes that such challenges will lead to a Supreme Court decision mandating the right of parents to claim tax dollars for private education and homeschooling.

Critics argue that this is a money grab by the wealthy, enabling them to opt out of public education and engage in unregulated, potentially biased forms of instruction. Children can be taught the classics or Nazi propaganda (read here). Farris's skill lies in presenting extreme positions as common sense, a tactic that has garnered attention and followers over the years.
Farris's controversial positions go beyond educational policy. He has advocated for the criminalization of gay sex, participated in legal efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, and urged a new generation of home-schoolers to contribute to the political and cultural power of conservative Christians.

The people of Virginia let Michael Farris know his policies were not welcome. In 1993, when Republicans secured victories in the Virginia gubernatorial and attorney general races, Farris experienced defeat in the lieutenant governor race by 9 points.
Undeterred, Farris shifted his focus to the rallying cry of "Parents' Rights," advocating for the Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act. While on the surface, this may seem like a straightforward assertion, concerns have been raised about potential consequences, including shielding abusive parents and sparking lawsuits against schools.

Congressional lawmakers grappled with the implications of this proposed legislation, with child welfare advocates expressing worries about its potential impact on schools and minority perspectives. The delicate balance between parental rights and the civil rights of children, enshrined in the Constitution, has become a focal point of this debate.
This would generally be a simple thing to work out, but attacks can gain traction when you bring in Politics and national organizations. Enter groups like Moms for Liberty. This is a group that has used Nazi slogans in their promotional material. When asked about it, they publicly said they stand by it. See the video. Moms for Liberty endorsed 19 candidates for School Boards in NJ. Luckily, most of them lost. Unfortunately, four did succeed, and they prevailed in my hometown of Colts Neck. This group's push for government intervention in dictating the teacher-student relationship and restricting safe spaces for children has sparked further debates about the role of elected officials in shaping education policy.

They want no safe space for children to discuss issues they may have with a trusted teacher or professional. They want the government to force teachers to call parents immediately, even if it is just something they hear being said among students. This is where the Constitution is meant to protect children. If children say they are afraid to talk to their parents for fear of rejection, physical violence, or being thrown out of their house, these extremists want the government to force teachers to make the call anyway. Another goal of these extremists is to have elected officials with absolutely no experience to take control of our children’s education instead of using educated professionals to choose appropriate curricula and books for students.

As a scientist and a candidate for the US House of Representatives deeply committed to evidence-based policymaking, it is imperative to scrutinize the implications of extreme proposals and their potential impact on the delicate balance between parental rights and children's constitutional rights.
The intersection of education, politics, and rights is a complex and contentious arena, with Michael Farris, his religious and monied interests, and several extremists pushing for significant changes in the American education system. As we navigate this landscape, it is essential to consider the rights of both parents and children, ensuring that any policy shifts maintain a balance that upholds constitutional principles and safeguards the well-being of all students. The ongoing debates underscore the importance of thoughtful, evidence-based policymaking in shaping the future of education in the United States.