Parents vs. School Policies: Kentucky Bill Passed Giving Parents Rights to Challenge School Instructional Materials

A bill is advancing in the Kentucky senate that will allow parents to challenge instructional materials in schools that they think are unfit for their children and other students.

Parents will be ensured of the right to oppose and complain about school instructional materials and school programs and events that they consider inappropriate for their children due to explicit sexual and oppressive content for minors.

This is what Senate Bill 5 stands for, one of the bills that the Republican-dominated Kentucky legislature is considering as part of their plan to "boost parental input over school policies."

Giving parents a voice

Under the bill, parents can submit a complaint to the school principal, who will decide whether to remove, restrict or keep the material, program, or event in question. If parents disagree with the decision, they could file an appeal to the local school board. If the latter's decision is still unagreeable to them, they can have the right to not expose their children to the material or event in question, and the school will respect that right.

Further, the bill, which advanced Thursday to the House, guarantees transparency and parental input in the entire school board review process. It would also instruct the school district to craft a model policy and standard process to resolve complaints against materials and contents that parents consider "harmful" to kids.

The bill was created by Republican Sen. Jason Howell, who ensured parents that they could finally have a voice when their children are faced with school materials and programs that "are in conflict with their family's values and beliefs," US News reported.

"For all, this bill brings clarity and consistency and accountability to the process. The goal of this bill is to allow the greatest flexibility possible in evaluating material under local values and norms all across the many diverse communities in our commonwealth," Howell stressed.

The senator is well-aware that the bill, which had a 29-4 vote in the Senate, created a non-unifying response. Some senators thought it to be going too far, while others, however, believed it should have been stronger.

Read More: Sexually Explicit Books Can Be Banned in Libraries by Parents in New Bill

Book banning bill

The bill shook the Senate floor and launched a heated debate on what is permissible in school and the ultimate purpose of education.

Labeled as a "book-banning bill" by Chuck Eddy and Democratic Senator Regginald Thomas, D-Lexington, the former opposes it, stating that it is misguided.

Thomas stressed that the bill will be based on "value judgments." He further said that it diminishes the "whole purpose of education," which is to allow students to have enough exposure to a diverse range of ideas.

American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky Kate Miller expressed that the bill tantamounts to "state-sponsored censorship," towards books on gender identity and sexual orientation.

On the other hand, Herald Leader reported that conservative legislators support the bill as it paves the way to a "cultural shift" towards how the nation continues to introduce sexuality at a very young age.

Senator Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, emphasized how he never imagined it possible for drag queens to be given story hours in school libraries. He also questioned if they should wait for the day when prostitutes can attend career days in school.

Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, described the bill as a shield to protect children's innocence.

Related Article: Parents Debate Over What Books to Read to Children at Lincolnwood Library