Poll Results

YES: 83% | NO: 17%

Should parents have the right to opt their children out of sex education, Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and transgender education?

What’s This Debate About?

Across the country, schools have become the front lines in a broader discussion about parental rights, education policy, and cultural values. As new curriculum topics – such as gender identity, race theory, and diversity programs – are introduced in public classrooms, parents are increasingly asking:

Should I have a say in what my child is taught?

This poll asked exactly that – and the results show a clear majority in favor of giving parents more control over sensitive content in the classroom.

Arguments for Allowing Parents to Opt Out

• Parental Authority:
  Parents are the primary educators of their children and should be able to guide what they learn about sensitive issues like sex, race, and gender.
• Respect for Personal Values:
  Families come from a wide range of moral, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Opt-out provisions allow parents to uphold their own values at home without interference.
• Transparency & Accountability:
  Many believe schools should be transparent about curriculum materials and allow families to review or decline content they find inappropriate.
• Child Readiness & Development:
  Supporters say that certain topics are best introduced at home, at a pace appropriate to each child’s age and maturity.

Arguments Against Opt-Out Policies

• Educational Consistency:
  Opponents worry that opt-outs could lead to fragmented learning and prevent students from receiving a full understanding of social and historical issues.
• Inclusion & Awareness:
  Some argue that exposure to different perspectives helps build empathy, reduce bullying, and prepare students for life in a diverse society.
• School Autonomy:
  There’s concern that broad opt-out rights could limit teachers’ ability to deliver comprehensive education and meet state standards.
• Potential Stigmatization:
  Students who opt out of certain lessons may feel excluded or singled out in the classroom, which can affect social dynamics.

Bottom Line

The message from this poll is clear:
A large majority of respondents believe parents should have the right to decide what their children are exposed to in the classroom – especially when it comes to deeply personal and potentially controversial subjects.

As the role of public education continues to evolve, this issue remains at the heart of many local and national conversations. Thank you for sharing your views and helping shape this important dialogue.