In a move that has left progressive educators clutching their pearls, state legislatures across the nation are advancing bills to increase parental control over public school curricula. Yes, you heard that right. The audacity of parents wanting a say in their children’s education has reached new heights, and the ivory towers of academia are trembling.

Take, for instance, the recent developments in Texas. The State Board of Education has given tentative approval to a new curriculum that introduces Bible lessons starting in kindergarten. The optional curriculum, known as ‘Bluebonnet,’ includes teachings such as the Golden Rule and stories from Genesis. Schools adopting this curriculum would receive additional funding. Critics argue that this move breaches the U.S. Constitution’s separation of church and state, while supporters, including Governor Greg Abbott, claim it offers cultural and historical insights.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Parental Rights in Education Act, often dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill by critics, has sparked nationwide debate. The law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through third grade, with proposed expansions to higher grade levels. Proponents argue that such measures protect parental rights and ensure age-appropriate education, while opponents view them as discriminatory and harmful to LGBTQ+ students.

Not to be outdone, other states are jumping on the parental rights bandwagon. According to FutureEd, at least 62 parental-rights bills have been introduced or pre-filed in 24 states during the current legislative season, mostly by Republican lawmakers. These bills seek to expand parents’ rights in schools, with some focusing on providing transparency on curriculum and materials, and others establishing or amending existing ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights.’

Critics of these legislative efforts argue that increasing parental control could lead to censorship and the exclusion of important topics from the curriculum. They warn of a slippery slope where educational content is dictated by the loudest voices, potentially marginalizing minority groups and stifling academic freedom. However, supporters counter that parents have a fundamental right to guide their children’s education and protect them from indoctrination.

The debate over parental control in education is not new. Historically, school boards and districts have been empowered to make curriculum decisions to prepare future citizens. However, recent years have seen a surge in parental activism, with many parents feeling sidelined by educational bureaucracies. This resurgence is partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought classroom instruction into living rooms and sparked increased scrutiny of educational content.

As state legislatures continue to push for increased parental control, the tug-of-war between educators and parents shows no signs of abating. One thing is clear: the battle over who gets to decide what children learn in school is far from over.

In the end, perhaps the real question isn’t whether parents should have a say in their children’s education, but rather, why it took so long for their voices to be heard. After all, who better to advocate for a child’s best interests than the people who know and love them the most?