November, Parents’ Rights In Education Month, Guest: Allen Sarvinas, State Affiliate, Maine

Welcome to another episode of the Parents' Rights Podcast. In today's episode, we dive into recent developments in education that have raised concerns about parental involvement and the influence of ideological agendas in schools.

First, we discuss a significant event in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill preventing schools from banning or censoring books over concerns about racial or sexual themes. This law imposes fines on schools that disobey it, sparking a debate about freedom of speech and education.

Next, we explore the case of Montgomery County Public Schools blocking the Twitter account of "Inside the Classroom," a watchdog group that exposed a teacher condemning the concept of parents' rights as "fascism." This incident sheds light on the growing presence of leftist ideologies in schools.

We also touch on Christopher Rufo's latest expose, "Cluster B Society," which discusses the infiltration of psychological dysfunction in our institutions. This leads us to reflect on the ideological saturation in K-12 public schools, highlighting unfair policies and incidents that raise questions about justice and morality.

In the second part of the episode, we discuss the significance of November as Parents' Rights in Education Month. We encourage parents across America to challenge their school boards to adopt a proclamation supporting parental involvement in policy and curriculum decisions. We also delve into the importance of presenting diverse viewpoints in education to create truly inclusive environments.

Lastly, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to advocate for parental rights within your local school board, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and collaboration.

Join us in our mission to recognize November as Parents' Rights in Education Month and ensure that parents have a vital role in shaping their children's education. Check the show notes for more information and resources to support this cause. Thank you for tuning in to the Parents' Rights Podcast.

In the final segment Suzanne talks with Allen Sarvinas, state leader, Maine, about the PRE training programs he has attended and how they have helped his efforts.

Transcript

Hanna  0:01  
Welcome back to the parents rights and education podcast. We are a grassroots movement of millions of parents and allies standing together, speaking as one to protect children and ensure parents crucial role in their child's education is protected. We come alongside millions of parents and allies and equip them to stand up for their rights by free trainings, membership and community support. You can join this movement for free by visiting parents rights in education.com. And hey, if you love the work that we're doing, please leave us a five star review. Your review helps us get out our message and allows us to keep advocating for parents rights. Thanks so much for being here. Let's get into today's topic.

Suzanne Gallagher  0:38  
Hey, everybody, welcome back. Oh my goodness, we've got some interesting stories to share with you. Monday, September 25, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that prevents schools from banning and censoring books over concerns regarding racial or sexual themes. Any school that disobeys the law will be fined. The bill also authorizes State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to buy instructional materials for school districts, recouping the costs from the purchases and determine whether to find school boards if they don't comply with the state's updated instructional standards, the word banning would mean restricting publication to only government sanction books now in this case of a public school placing restrictions on books based on inappropriate content for minors. No official quote ban unquote occurs because the controversial books are available via booksellers. In a 1980 federal court of appeals declaration, it was permissible and appropriate for local school boards to make decisions based upon their personal social, political and moral views. So the court thereby upheld a 1977 ban by the school board in Warsaw, Indiana, against five books. Now significantly, there are no clear federal laws that specify what right school boards or local governments have to decide what books will be available in school or public libraries. So the reason I state this is that the far left progressives continue to use this word banning and censoring, when actually, we call it making good book selection choices for their local district. More on that later. Next. Montgomery County Public Schools blocked the account inside the classroom. On acts are formerly known as Twitter days after expose the teacher in the district for condemning the right wing idea of parents rights as literally just fascism. Inside the classroom is a watchdog group that aims to expose the leftist ideology that is currently in increasing present in schools. This whole idea that this is some right wing idea is false and bogus. And we look forward to more opportunities to be calling these people out on it. False and bogus because parents rights are inalienable rights. Don't ever forget it. Today I want to share with you a an amazing article that just came out of San Antonio not only an article but a video very cleverly created video titled Cluster B society by Christopher Ruffo. And I encourage everyone to watch Ruffo his newest expos a regarding the assault on our culture. He calls it the Cluster B society claiming psychological dysfunction has been embedded in our institutions. He says, You're not imagining that the world has gone mad. The compromised health of our body politic is not a trivial concern. A strange new pattern of psychological dysfunction has infiltrated our most prestigious institutions, our corporate bureaucracies and the highest offices in the land. Now I agree with that wholeheartedly. Do you? The K through 12 public schools are saturated with ideologies instead of asking Don't mix unfair policies like the recent expulsion of a more town Vermont student who unknowingly misgendered and quote dead named unquote, his classmate. Restorative justice replaces traditional Crime and Punishment even at school. What about the Westland Oregon student who is expelled for saying the word queer when a six foot male classmate walked by wearing fishnet stockings and bike shorts. Law enforcement did not cite the fishnet were in student for level four assault, beating his peer and inflicting multiple concussions. Then there is the 11 year old hazelbrook Oregon middle school student who was lured into the restroom by a fellow classmate for anal sex. The email communication was seen by staff who failed to report it to his parents. Even though the victim suffered from bowel incontinence in an STD. The repeated incidents were considered by law enforcement and the principal to be consensual. What we have here is a perversion of morality and justice. Since when is the removal of healthy body parts considered care? It's time for parents to say no more. The topic for today is so timely, it's almost Well, it's just uncanny. Because next month, November is Parents Rights in Education Month, and it was established in November of 2019. Please join us on the fifth anniversary of parents rights and Education Month and ask your local school board to endorse our proclamation. We encourage parents all across America, Parents and Citizens to challenge their school boards to adopt this proclamation declaring they support the importance of working with parents, involving them in developing policies and selecting curriculums for their children's schools. public schools are for everyone. Although we recognize not all people of certain groups think alike. It appears those opposed to parental involvement in school policy and curriculum decisions are represented by government bureaucrats and employees, including teachers and their unions. Often, state legislation requires local schools to teach biased viewpoints and Departments of Education force local school boards to adopt controversial political agendas. The point is, not everyone is in agreement. And because of it to be truly inclusive, shouldn't all points of view be presented, especially in a government school, and if bias cannot be addressed to satisfy everyone, the subjects in question should be avoided, providing safety for all. I'm going to read you this proclamation. We're pretty proud of it. In recognition of the vital importance for education, excellence, and meaningful collaboration between the School District and families, we recognize November as parents rights and Education Month. Whereas we acknowledge parents are the child's first and foremost educator, and has the primary responsibility for the education, care and training of their children. And whereas education is comprised of a range of activities, by which families and communities teach knowledge and skills, including ethical and behavioral norms and traditions, and whereas fairness and equality must be afforded to all students and families in the school district. And whereas Public Schools need cooperation in support of all parents, and whereas the parent child relationship shall be honored and supported by teachers, counselors, administrators, and school board members. Therefore, we declare November, parents rights and Education Month, affirming the constitutional right of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children. We chose November because in November of 2005, the Ninth Circuit stole pay rights rights with their ruling fields versus Palmdale school district quote, that the mayor appears right does not exist beyond the threshold of the school door. These efforts mandating parents rights do not exist, compromise the inalienable rights of parents to raise their children with the value system they chose, and are contrary to the spirit of the local public school district.

Supreme Court decisions have repeatedly supported parents rights, especially in relation to public schools. The organizational model with elected board members was designed to represent citizen and parent community values. However, with increasing pressure from outside forces, including public employees unions funded by the government, local control is under attack. It cannot be overlooked. The few are lording over the majority. In many districts, larger districts cave to be are at a pressure with the promise of opt out. They push through policies and curriculums, parents and communities do not want. If school boards allow teachers unions and extremist organizations to usurp parents rights to direct the education of their children, they abdicate their role as representatives of the community. This simple proclamation is affirmation of the five Supreme Court decisions upholding parents rights to direct the education of their children. Guys, we are simply asking school boards who they represent. The proclamation establishes an understanding between school districts and their communities. It's a win win for everyone. With a show of good faith through the adoption of this proclamation, parents and guardians will gain confidence in their local school boards, affirming their belief that they do have a vital role in the collaborative partnership between families, schools, IT administrators. Now, how do you do this? It's really pretty simple. You can do it at the local level in your school district. Easy peasy. First of all, you need to do a little bit of homework, visit the school district website. all school districts are different depending upon what state and area you live in. Go to school board page on your local district site to access the names of board members and their contact information. Check the rules for public submission of proclamations with the school board clerk or administrator. In other words, give them a call or look it up on the website. Find out who's open to your proposal. So contact each one of those board members and you know, say what do you think? Should we do this? It's always best to have a board member submit the proclamation. Email the proclamation document to all the members and follow up with a friendly call to identify your supporters. Then, if possible, schedule a meeting with members who seem interested and share more information explain why you are supporting the proclamation. Number two, take a free course in how to give testimonies and we happen to have one on our website. It's called How to testify. So you want to take that course we've had such great feedback. It's really good. answers a lot more questions than just what to say. Next item three. Take the proclamation to your next school board meeting and present during public comment. Hand a copy to each school board member. It is best to go with as many supporters as you can find. Usually you will have no more than two to three minutes to make your case. So divide the arguments between the rest of your group. Always be respectful and share personal reasons why you support the recommendation then, now that first meeting was just a presentation of the proclamation asking them to pass it. So the next board meeting is when they will. So when that meeting comes up, you want to fill the room now that board meeting will probably be in November. Fill the room at the next board reading. Find out when the proclamation will be on the agenda for a vote. Spread the word and fill the room showing support for those who share your values. And finally, but certainly not least, We want to report your success and encourage other parents nationally to follow your lead. What made the difference? Please contact us with a report and a video of the testimonies at the board meeting. Now, if your board refuses to even consider or adopt the proclamation, you will know it is time to recruit candidates for the upcoming school board elections. I invite you to join our effort to officially recognize November as parents rights and Education Month. Be sure to check the show notes for more information. I want also to bring your attention to the national parents rights and education flyer which is now available on our website. We have created a flyer for your use locally. Start a pre affiliate and you'll have access to not just the logo and branding tools, but all the branded marketing materials we have created for you. All you have to do is download and print. This flyer features all the issues we address in addition to websites and other valuable contact information. This is just one of the many services we offer to our affiliate groups. Okay, stick around because we have a special guests coming up next, Allen savviness, leader of parents rights in education in the state of Maine.

Hanna  16:28  
Hey parents, do you want to testify at your school board but aren't sure where to begin? Or do you want to run for your school board and need tips for how to win, we created a free training center for you learn how to effectively testify at your school board and how to win your school board election through our free courses available for you in our courses. We provide step by step video instructions along with the quiz to make sure you really grasp the information. Some of the video instructions include how to testify at your school board in person, and virtually how to prepare your testimony and tips for recording your testimony and sharing it and more in our course that teaches you how to win your school board election. We have video instructions for things like creating your campaign plan, managing and team budgeting, how to debate effectively and more. You are making an impact on your child's education. And we are here to support you join for free today by visiting parents rights and education.com/login. That's parents rights and education.com/login.

Suzanne Gallagher  17:27  
So we're going to welcome this afternoon, Alan Saar Venus, Alan is the parents rights and education affiliate for the state of Maine. He is our state leader, and has been for the last couple years. Thank you so much for joining us this afternoon, Alan.

Allen Sarvinas  17:43  
I Suzanne, thank you. Thank you again. Good afternoon.

Suzanne Gallagher  17:47  
Yeah, you bet. So we wanted to have you on today to tell us a little bit about your experience with taking the pre trainings that are on our website. We have a couple of trainings and I wanted to get your feedback.

Allen Sarvinas  18:03  
Yeah, it's a it's a great resource for parents, or any stakeholders, I want to engage at the local school board level, we have a momentum that builds over, let's say a single issue. And then there's always a few that kind of stick around and want to know more. Training is really a good starting point. For getting that started for being more of a you know, grassroots advocate, instead of just supporting people when an issue comes around.

Suzanne Gallagher  18:40  
Got it? Good. Good. So which trainings have you taken?

Allen Sarvinas  18:44  
mainly focused on the how to testify?

Suzanne Gallagher  18:47  
Okay, yeah, that's the first one that we recommend.

Allen Sarvinas  18:50  
Yep. And, you know, I when I, when I recommend it and show people that training, I let them know that it's, it's a full kind of a full explanation of how not just to testify, but how to prepare, how do you how to write your testimony. So it applies to even an individual school board member, if that's a if that's a vote that you're trying to flip. Know, your school board is the first part of the training. And a lot of times seems to get missed due to the issues being so polarized, and there's a lot of us versus them. But once you get to know your school board, know their voting patterns and stuff, you can meet them, meet them where they're at, and then work on bringing them you know, to your, to your point of view.

Suzanne Gallagher  19:39  
Oh, love that. I love that. Yes, I found that that there's a whole lot more to testifying than just saying what you believe. So often we think well, this is all about me and my rights and what I want and but but we are kind of in the sales business or Are we what we're what we're trying to bring people along to? Looking at it a different way than maybe they did before from a parent perspective?

Allen Sarvinas  20:11  
Yeah, absolutely. It's it's vital right now that parents and stakeholders comprehend that a lot of these board members are not being supported with all information that most of if not all of their information is coming from the state, or organizations that align with the state. So if you do not want your youth to be or your child to be a mirror creation of the state, it's a very good idea to begin a grassroots advocating at grassroots advocacy, which is, you know, this training, which is starting out by taking this training, and up trying to apply it at the school board.

Suzanne Gallagher  20:54  
Right, right. So you've suggested two things. One is consider the viewpoint that some of your school board members might have of what where are they coming from, you know, when it comes to their viewpoint, and then enlightening them with information that they may not have thought about or been presented with? By their typical resources, such as the administrators or, you know, other school board members, et cetera, and possible lobbyists? Maybe it's even the teachers doing it, who's informing them? A lot of times people don't have the whole story. What are some other tips that you can give people when they testify at a school board meeting, that that would make them make those points?

Allen Sarvinas  21:41  
What, no, making your points in terms of meeting, meeting school board members where they're at. You want to associate either you're either you have a story, you know, always always having a testimony that begins with a question. And then our story is always going to play to the, you know, the human level. And then once you if you do know, your school board members, if you know, there you have a son, that's a veteran, or they have two students who graduated, you can try to, you know, make your point apply to what their child or you know, maybe their, their, their significant other or their, their wife or husband is a teacher, you try to make sure your point is embedded in something that they already agree with.

Suzanne Gallagher  22:27  
Right? So coming from their own personal relationship with the situation. Yeah, that's really good. Again, it's it's really not all about us. It's, it's about them.

Allen Sarvinas  22:39  
We know what we know what we want, right? On understanding others, and how to how to get them to a more, at least moderate position.

Suzanne Gallagher  22:51  
Exactly, exactly. And so tell me of the the board meetings that you've been involved with, I know both you and your wife have have done testifying and been in this activist role for the last couple of years. What were some of the most kind of gotcha moments or situations where you felt like it really hit home strategies that you used in, in your either your testimony or was what somebody else said at a meeting, or just the whole strategy of how you went in with a group and gave testimony to the board.

Allen Sarvinas  23:26  
We had we have recently we had a we had a successful campaign. But in the in about a, probably six months ago, in terms of school board, I've built relationships with a couple board members. And in the train in the school board meeting, there started to be debate about how close about how they want teachers and other employees to be able to bond with students if the students need someone very need someone for mental health. I actually texted him when you you know, the second one is understanding your issue are our people usually are have an abundance of information. That doesn't seem to be a problem. But I was able to get that school board. I texted the school board member the policy and, you know, policy up here that basically says that employees aren't supposed to have those relationships.

Suzanne Gallagher  24:21  
Oh, that was good.

Allen Sarvinas  24:25  
He opened it up. He saw it. He presented it and shut down the entire debate.

Suzanne Gallagher  24:30  
No way. Was that during the meeting

Allen Sarvinas  24:33  
right during the meeting.

Suzanne Gallagher  24:38  
Oh, but that was brilliant. Yes. i Okay. I have never I've never heard of that. I don't it's probably happened before but I had not heard of that. So you were actually communicating with now he was a friendly board member but yeah, maybe or not. Yep. He was a friendly board member

Allen Sarvinas  24:57  
and you know the way As I said, What's information? Even just policy, a lot of the board members that you brought up the union, the union is, is helping and picking and choosing board members, because they have resources that parents don't have resources to. But as soon as other board members heard the policy heard, what is said was kind of like, okay, well, we're not going to talk about that anymore.

Suzanne Gallagher  25:26  
Later. So it is helpful to site was that actual board policy? Or was that state law? It was board policy, their own board policy. So you have to do your homework, you have to know what what the parameters are and how they apply to the issue that you're addressing. And, you know, we also have to remember that these board members no matter what side of the fence they're on, they have a big job. And they can't know everything about everything. And so we're just there to help them don't Wouldn't you agree, Alan, to help them understand what it is that that they're missing?

Allen Sarvinas  26:09  
Absolutely. I think you stakeholders can consider themselves a staffer of sorts. Yeah. And and to find some, you know, internal value, if that's, that's an issue. But absolutely, we were talking about just people, your neighbors that are getting 48 hours a meeting, at least here in Maine, right. So basically nothing. Yeah. But it was it was basically nothing in terms of the responsibility and influence they can have on your district.

Suzanne Gallagher  26:38  
Yes, absolutely. So this, this is a role that is definitely a volunteer role, and your heart has to be in it. So that is great advice. And I just have to ask you about the the additional training that teaches people how to run for school board, what it takes to determine whether or not you want to be a school board candidate. It's all about running for school board, have you had a chance to start that or take a look at it, I've

Allen Sarvinas  27:13  
looked at some of it. It's, you know, I think including the testifying one, taking training in general, when we get older, like, we don't have much time. But once you get into these trainings, you'll always find something detailed or specific that you say, Oh, well, I didn't really see it that way, or I didn't think of it that way. A lot of times, there's the misconception with signs and getting your name on posters and stuff, which is a fraction of value compared to going out and talking and getting to doors and, and appropriate, direct voter contact. Right? Once you read it, and then you can you read it again, from here, or you hear it from someone else. And over time, you really start to build a lens of how you know how this arena kind of kind of operates. And once you start feeling more productive than obviously participation will grow as well.

Suzanne Gallagher  28:09  
Yeah, boy, that's a good point. If we want committed fellow activists in this in this endeavor that we've undertaken, they need to feel that confidence, and taking the trainings is the first step. I think it's one of the first things everybody should do. And the cool thing is that these are all on demand online, in free.

Allen Sarvinas  28:33  
Yep, and the attachments, the links that are embedded to at there, you know, it walks you through the training, and then it says, you know, for additional resources, you know, those are really good. There's a really good resources that have information that will really start if you know nothing about a school board, or how it works and what is supposed to do, you know, by the end, you will.

Suzanne Gallagher  28:56  
Awesome, I love that. I love it. Well, thank you, Alan, I appreciate your coming on. So much. We know that you you're a dad, you have a wife and two kids. Yep. 914 Yep. 914 in the school system, you're busy man. And yet you you feel so compassionate, so much compassion for this issue. And the kids who are involved in what it means for our nation's future, that you're giving this time to help us spread the word and activate people at the local level. For that we're we're very grateful. Thank you so much, Allen. Appreciate your coming on tonight.

Allen Sarvinas  29:38  
Thank you. Thank you for the platform and support. It is

Hanna  29:41  
Monday. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode. Keep up with everything we're doing. Check out our website, parents rights in education.com and sign up for our newsletter. You can also join our movement for free by visiting our website parents rights and education.com to do your part in protecting parents rights, you can become a club 12 by 12 member by donating $12 A month it takes all of us to make the change that we want to see thanks so much for listening Talk soon