Many people ask what to do when your child is subjected to subversive or inappropriate content at school. It can happen from exposure to inappropriate media, curriculum, teacher’s comments, and even state assessments or surveys.
When it happens (not if) here are the steps to take. If it happened in the past, still try to do this process.
(If you are a teacher forced to teach this content, see step 4b)
0) Prevention (pre-vent before you “vent”)
You should do your best to prevent indoctrination in the first place. Turn in the opt out forms for subversive content, gender ideology, state assessments, and where applicable, digital surveillance of your home. These forms put educators on notice by reminding them of state laws to not touch certain subjects or administer surveys that contain such content.
(https://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/action-list/opt-out-forms/)
Then talk with your child about these forms and let them know their teachers are being informed and reminded of certain things that are not to be taught. Teach your children that teachers are not allowed to shame them either (by state law) and what that looks like (embarrass them, reward others, punish them in front of the class, and otherwise coerce them into taking the tests). Give your children permission and instruction that if one of these inappropriate subjects comes up they may walk out of class. Encourage them to inform their friends as well so if the topics arise they can all walk out at once. If the teacher asks what they are doing, they can state they are going to the nurse’s office. Then make sure they absolutely refuse to speak with a school counselor.
Never make your children’s teachers into greater authority figures than you the parent. If you say, “listen to your teacher,” add, “so you can tell me anything they say that goes against what we’ve talked about at home.” If you don’t do this, children will develop a sense that their teacher who is with them all day, is always right and they are teaching them the right things in the right way. For the ultimate protection, consider homeschooling (see item 8 for links).
1) When it happens, document everything
As you proceed down these steps, keep track of previous conversations to give a summary to the next person you contact so they know the efforts you have gone through to make corrections and when they say, “did you speak to ____” you can say “yes, and this was their response.” Also, record conversations that you are able to so you have a perfect record of what was said.
Start your documentation by noting:
- The school this took place at
- The teacher(s) involved
- What class, time(s) and date(s)
- What curriculum material was used if any (book, publisher, periodical, etc…)
2) Speak with the Teacher (always speak with respect sharing your concerns, never accusatory. “Share” your concerns.)
a) Do they share your concern?
Yes: Can they and will they stop teaching subversive content?
Yes? Great! Thank the teacher for listening to your concerns. Then inform your child of the outcome and warn them to be watchful and report any infractions to you.
No? Why? Is it their own beliefs or is someone pressuring them to use this material (material can be curriculum content or assessments)? (Principal, District Administration, EDI director (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), School Board?)
b) Are they part of the problem? Document it and move to step 3.
3) Speak with the Principal
a) Do they share your concern?
Yes: Can they and will they stop subversive content from being taught?
Yes? Great! Thank the principal for listening and taking action. Make sure they have specific action steps and then follow up to make sure they are done.
No? Who is pressuring them to use this material? (EDI director (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), District Administration, School Board?)
b) Are they part of the problem? Document it and move to step 4.
4a) Report to the State Hotline
Utah has a state hotline to report specific instances of indoctrination, student shaming and bullying by teachers, and so on. If the teacher and principal cannot give you satisfaction, report everything immediately then proceed to step 5.
Full instructions: https://www.schools.utah.gov/internalaudit?mid=892&tid=3
Quick reference: call 801-538-7813 or email audit@schools.utah.gov. Share your story with them and email your story to state board members at board@schools.utah.gov. Then also email your story to indoctrination at utahnsagainstcommoncore.com.
4b) Teacher help
If you are a teacher who is being forced to teach things against your conscience, please email your story to indoctrination @ utahnsagainstcommoncore.com and let us publish your story anonymously. We will keep you anonymous but please include sufficient information to allow us to contact you and verify your identity.
5) Speak with District/Charter School Board member
This person often can’t affect what’s happening directly in a classroom like the teacher or principal so I think it’s best to report things in step 4 and then have this conversation.
a) Do they share your concern?
Yes: Will they work to stop subversive content from being taught in the district?
Yes? Great! However, depending on the issue, the board member may or may not be able to fix the issue. If it requires board action, they (and possibly you) will have to convince others there is a problem in order for the board to take action. This is where petitions and movements often get started since the school board affects the direction of the district. Ask what they will do and how you can help.
No? Who is pressuring them to use this material? (State Board, EDI director (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), Legislature, Federal policy?)
b) Are they part of the problem? Run against them or find someone you can support to run against them. When you complete this process, publicize what their position is with regard to your concern.
6) Speak with State Board member
a) Do they share your concern? Did they read the email you sent in step 4a?
Yes: Will they work to stop subversive content from being taught in the state?
Yes? Great, but they are even further removed from the classroom. Ask what they will do and how you can help.
No? Who is pressuring them to use this material? (Legislature, EDI director (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), Federal policy?)
b) Are they part of the problem? Run against them or find someone you can support to run against them. When you complete this process, publicize what their position is with regard to your concern.
7) Speak with your House Representative and State Senator
a) Do they share your concern?
Yes: What will they do? Will they hold hearings or run a bill to stop subversive content from being taught in the state?
Yes? Ask how you can help and how to participate in the process.
No? If they agree with you and won’t or can’t do anything about it, ask if they would recommend another legislator who they think might be interested in helping and contact that person.
b) Are they part of the problem? Run against them or find someone you can support to run against them. When you complete this process, publicize what their position is with regard to your concern.
8) Next steps
Publish all your documentation.
Gather reinforcements who can help.
Speak with friends and neighbors about the problem. Have cottage meetings.
Start a petition with other like-minded parents and raise awareness.
Run for office and replace the bad actors or find others who are like-minded and willing to do it.
Write letters to the editor.
Homeschool or private school and stop financially supporting any institution that indoctrinates children (including universities). Or dual enroll (https://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/dual-enrolling-your-child/) to homeschool for the indoctrinating classes while attending school for the others. Homeschooling has come a LONG way over the last 50 years. There are excellent materials that make the job a lot easier and there are plenty of groups for kids to associate with and socialize. They can still participate at local school events with their friends too. For some excellent videos on getting started and being inspired, check out: https://www.agencybasededucation.org/options/homeschooling/
There are many great private schools available that shun Common Core and are freedom oriented. Ask around and find one.
Start a private school. Here’s a workshop discussing how:
https://www.agencybasededucation.org/how-to-start-a-school/
9) FAQ
What guidance is the state office giving schools and teachers? Know this so you can inform teachers as well.
https://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/opt-out-guiding-document/
“Am I the only one complaining?”
Almost certainly not. This is a common tactic to isolate parents who are voicing their concerns. Some years ago after one particular incident in Alpine School District, I encouraged people to complain to the district. That week, three people contacted me and said the same district administrator had told all of them they were the only one to complain about the issue. Obviously he was lying to them in an effort to minimize their concerns and make them feel alone and weak.
“If I opt my kids out, do they still have to do the practice tests? I have a teacher telling my son too bad.” And: “The teacher is telling my child they will have to do a lot of extra work during the test we opted out of. Is that legal?”
No. Read the state laws here: https://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/opt-out-guiding-document/