Vermont House Progressives have introduced a bill, H.106, “An act relating to the academic freedom of public educators,” that violates every student and family in Vermont.
A question to the sponsors of this bill: What happened to parents’ rights? Do parents and guardians not matter to you? This proposal is crazy and completely out of touch with the majority of Vermonters, including liberal democrats around the state. This violates Martin Luther King, our Constitution and free speech.
Let’s look at H.106 in part, as introduced by Rep. Headrick of Burlington and other legislator sponsors.
“Subject: Education; freedom of expression; curriculum content. This bill proposes to protect the academic freedom of public educators and their right to teach on matters of gender identity and systemic and structural racism.”
This bill is too broad, is irresponsible and is not necessary to educate children.
This bill will codify the right of educators, school boards, superintendents, teacher unions, and activists to teach our children anything, in any way, with any props and tools that they choose and without regard or respect to your children, and without parental or guardians knowledge or permission.
There will be no opt-out provisions either. This is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plan and union plan to cancel parents and take control of our children. Please read the bill and contact your legislators today.
This type of education is not the job of our public school education system; it is the parents’ job and responsibility. The progressives do not understand simple separations. We need to educate them all.
I am asking that you contact your local House member and your senator(s) immediately. They may have a “super-duper” majority, but “We the People” still have our voices and the right to free speech. There are some other components here for every single parent or guardian. You need to run for your local school board this March or the state legislature in 2024.
Lastly, a bold statement: You may transfer your child(ren) to another means of education; to an independent or private school or to a home study program.
In the spring and summer of 2021, I toured our beautiful state holding Critical Race Theory/Equity town halls, and this is not what Vermonters want in their public schools. I listened to students, parents and grandparents. You have rights, my friends. There are other options coming. Stay tuned.
Gregory M. Thayer
Vermonters for Vermont Initiative
Rutland
