HB 542 Proposes to End Discrimination in Public Schools

Submitted by ... on 17 April 2011 - 11:49am

 

House Bill 542 protects a parent's right to control the education of their child. Despite the hype and  disinformation, this bill does not eliminate compulsory attendance. Nor does it require the district to assume any additional expenses. It simply addresses some very real discrimination that parents currently face in our public schools.

No one questions a parent's right to choose a private school over a public education for their child. But what about parents who cannot afford private school, yet have conscientious objections to a public school program or a particular textbook? How are their rights addressed?

The existing appeals process for parents, who object to a public school program or textbook is difficult and time consuming. It's designed to derail any meaningful opposition. Frequently, it's costly and ineffective.

HB 542 was written to address these concerns. It would end the discrimination and allow any parents to opt out -- at their own expense -- based upon their inalienable rights of conscience. It's more cost effective for parents of limited means to pay for an alternative textbook or program, than paying for the entire cost of a private school, or forgoing a second income in order to home school their child. This bill offers parents real solutions.

A parent's constitutional right to control the education of his child is supported by the NH Republican Party platform . The  GOP platform clearly states:

"We oppose state interference with parental rights and believe:
  • Only parents can be entrusted to control the education of their children and choose schools that best suit their children's needs.
  • Laws should be implemented to encourage school choice and competition and allow all parents to choose the best public, private, charter or home school program for their children."

So which is it?  Our  constitutional rights?  Or the interests of some highly paid lobbyists?  Not both. It's one or the other! 

Lobbyists from the NEA-NH, the State Department of Education, the NH School Administrators Association, the NH School Boards Association opposed this bill. These lobbyists benefit from status quo and live on tax-funded salaries, some earning in excess of $163,000.  The lobbyists believe that the State's interest in education SUPERSEDES the rights of the parents whenever it suits their convenience.

Parents need to speak up.  Contact your state Senators and ask them to take HB 542 off the table and pass it this year!

User login