A GOP-authored bill that would guarantee parents the right to determine their children’s pronouns and pull them out of any classes that conflict with their personal beliefs has died in the senate. The bill passed the assembly in January but did not get a vote in the senate. Fond du Lac School District superintendent Dr. Jeff Fleig said he had concerns with the bill. Dr. Fleig says he’s concerned about the unintended consequences. “Our door is open. If you want to come in and sit down to see what you’re child is learning we will show you what is being taught. There’s not a problem with that,” Fleig told WFDL news. “While I think the intention by the legislature is always good, there would be unintended consequences. We have a responsibility to educate them. Also they (students) are assessed by the state, we receive a report card rating.” The bill would guarantee parents a host of rights, including the right to determine the pronouns their children are known by at school. The bill also would give parents the right to pull their children out of class based on religious reasons or personal convictions. They would have a right to be told of any surveys or evaluations that would reveal their or their children’s political leanings, sexual behavior or illegal behavior; any vaccinations the school offers; and whenever a “controversial subject” such as gender identity, sexual orientation or racism will be discussed. Parents could sue schools that violate those rights. “Sometimes it’s uncomfortable if we want to learn, and at the same time we have to find common ground with those that are different from us,” Dr. Fleig said. The bill’s supporters say schools are ignoring parents, and the legislation will force administrators to listen to them. Opponents say the bill is an attempt to disrupt school protocols and amounts to censorship.
