Mama Bears Have Spoken!-Now They Need You
Yes, parents do have a say on what their kids experience at school—and that includes explicit content on the library shelves; outside speakers coming into their child’s classroom; as well as the overall direction of children’s education. “Parents have made this message clear in multiple elections and school board meetings—and now they’re making it clear at the State Capitol.” That point was unmistakably demonstrated on Parental Rights Day, otherwise known as “Mama Bear Day,” through the crowds of moms and dads showing up at the State Capitol on Feb. 8 to rally for key parental rights legislation.
Click to Watch the Wrap-Up Video!
Their timing was strategic as parental rights bills crossed over into the Senate for consideration. The day kicked off with a Mama Bear press conference featuring two courageous moms from Hanover and Chesterfield Counties--Terra Lawrence and Susan Roberson--surrounded by parents wearing blue in support. Watch the video for highlights and pictures! The press conference also featured Delegates Nick Freitas, Robert Orrock, and Tim Anderson who spoke about their legislation addressing explicit content in school libraries and parental-involvement library policies (HB 1448 & HB 1379) and outside speakers invited into the classroom to instruct children (HB 1803). Afterward, groups of parents met personally with key Senators on both sides of the aisle and also received "Mama Bear Day" recognition on the floors of the Senate and House of Delegates. Del. John McGuire even took time to leave the House floor to personally thank the parents for also supporting his bill, HB 1507, which requires public schools to protect the fundamental right of parents—including giving parents an opportunity to review curriculum, instructional materials and surveys given to their children.
The bottom line: Parents are calling on the General Assembly to take action after growing weary of being treated as an afterthought—or worse, an enemy. “The best way to protect as many kids as possible is to protect their parents’ rights—because parents have the most up-close knowledge of what it takes to help their particular child succeed academically and emotionally,” said Candi Cushman, Vice President of Grassroots and Communications for The Family Foundation. Want to help? Contact members of the Senate Education and Health Committee immediately and ask them to support these key parental rights bills—HB 1448, HB 1379, HB 1803 and HB 1507--as well as Sage’s Law, HB 2432!
