Jamelle Bouie argues that the purported “parents’ rights” agenda is really about imposing a reactionary heckler’s veto power over school boards, not identifying and enforcing community standards. Is he right?
Indeed, he is. I’ve previously argued that the values of the community go beyond those of the affected parents, as many of us who are required to support school districts do not have children in the system. In addition, if you truly believe in the sanctity of community standards, you should accept that urban school systems should reflect blue values. DeSantis, Youngkin, and other GOP state leaders associated with “parents’ rights” don’t agree; they think both local and federal sentiments are irrelevant, and all policy should be made at the state level. At least in red states.
Bouie goes on to say that the reactionary agenda is actually to destroy the public school systems throughout the country. I will address this argument, the fallacies behind “states’ rights,” and the impacts of school voucher programs in subsequent posts.