The vote for a new governor for the state of Virginia has become national news.
One candidate, Terry McAuliffe, has publically stated that he believes parents have no say in what is taught their children in public schools. The other candidate, Glenn Youngkin, says parents have a right to care about what is being taught, and they have a right to voice their opinions at school board meetings. Youngkin said:
“They’ve been fighting for them to get the schools open,” he continued. “They’ve been fighting for them to teach their children how to think and stop teaching them what to think. They’ve been fighting to make sure the materials that are in their curriculum, in the library are appropriate.”
At this writing, there are three days until the debate is decided. Will the new governor be McAuliffe or Youngkin? There are probably other issues on which the two candidates differ, but education certainly has taken the forefront. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you probably know that I stand with parents being fully involved in the education of their children.
It occurred to me as I wrote that we have not seen massive displays of involvement by parents who do not want or feel the need for personal involvement in their children’s education. That led me to do a search. I found an article by Cassandra Fairbanks that quoted from a recent poll conducted by Suffolk University/USA Today. It asked Virginia voters if they think parents or school boards should have more of an influence on a school’s curriculum. Here are the results of that poll:
Oct 26, 2021 “Should parents or school boards have more of an influence on a school’s curriculum?”
Parents 50% School boards 39% (Overall)
Democrats: Parents 16% School boards 70%
Republicans: Parents 79% School boards 12%
Independents: Parents 57% School boards 32%
The difference in parents’ opinions is startling. Do some parents care more about what their children are learning as “truth,” or do some favor what is being taught as “truth?” CRT is at the forefront, but I’m sure other topics such as the 1619 Project, gender, etc., all play a part in this debate. This dispute is not limited to Virginia. It is simply more apparent there because of the importance of the gubernatorial election. All parents, not just Virginians, should be paying close attention to the curricula provided your children.
In an article at PatriotsRevolution.com, Patrick Buchanan gave his opinion on the subject. He said, “These schools are helping shape what children come to believe about the moral, social and historical issues tearing our country apart. These schools are helping shape the men and women these children will become.”
It is likely that this issue of parents’ involvement in what is being taught will leave the bold headlines and front pages of the news after the election results are in. However, I implore you to continue to follow personally with your schools and school boards. We can be confident their actions and policies in these matters will endure beyond the current spotlight.
So, back to my headline: IS VIRGINIA’S ELECTION REALLY A PRO-FAMILY VOTE? I believe it is. I have confidence in the parents of Virginia. I believe they love their children and care deeply about their moral upbringing. And I don’t believe that love and caring is limited to Virginia.
Stand up for what you believe is right and true. Be brave, and as the Bible says, “Stand firm.”
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
(1 Corinthians 16:13)