Parents and Schools: Who Decides What Kids Read?

Parents in New York are pushing back against the idea that only a few groups should decide what books their kids can read in school. They believe they should have a say in what their children are exposed to, especially when it comes to content that might not be suitable for their age. The current system often leaves parents out of the loop. Decisions about school materials are usually made by the New York State Education Department, teachers' unions, and national organizations. These groups often don't consider what parents or the local community think is best. This can make parents feel like they don't have a voice in their children's education. Since 2020, more parents have been showing up at school board meetings to ask questions and share their concerns. Unfortunately, instead of being seen as partners, some parents have been labeled as troublemakers. This makes it harder for everyone to work together to improve schools. Parents aren't trying to ban books just because they don't like them. They are concerned about content that they think is not appropriate for younger students. In one case, parents in the Clyde-Savannah school district followed the proper steps to challenge some books. The school board agreed and voted to remove them. But then, the board faced legal threats and pressure from the teachers' union. In the end, they had to reverse their decision. A court case about this issue showed that parents had some valid points. The judge said that even if the books weren't legally obscene, school officials have the right to decide if they are suitable for students. The judge also said that schools should consider what the local community thinks is appropriate. Some people are trying to pass a law that would make it harder for parents to challenge school materials. But this law failed before, and there are good reasons why. Parents and local communities should have a say in what their kids are learning. They are not trying to censor anything; they just want to make sure their children are being taught in a way that fits with their values. This isn't about politics. It's about making sure that public schools respect the rights of families and reflect the communities they serve. If we want schools to do well, we need to listen to the people who care the most about their children's future.