Parents Should Raise Their Kids. Not The Government. And Definitely Not Disney

Parents across the nation have found themselves increasingly engaged in a gender and sexuality conflict raging in the hallways of their children's learning institutions. Florida's Parental Rights in Education represents the latest bill in that vein. Among other concepts, the controversial legislation states that "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3".

As I've watched outraged parents speak out, I'm reminded of our own experiences as a family. My daughter was in elementary school when a graphic novel assigned to her class featured a transgender character. The book was included in the semester syllabus and available for parents to review. Although we read the book's description, it omitted any mention of gender or sexuality, so we proceeded without concern until our daughter brought it to our attention. She also made us aware of the group discussions and drag queen slide shows she and her classmates had to engage in at the behest of their teacher. Incensed, I promptly scheduled a parent-teacher conference and found her more than understanding, accommodating, and welcoming as I expressed our concerns. It seems many educators are not only against some of the curricula they are required to teach, but they also desire parental involvement to affirm that which they professionally can not voice.

I walked my son into his kindergarten class for morning drop-off a few years prior while living in a different state. On the wall was a display featuring his classmates and their beautiful families. Family day was an exciting time in the class when kids had the opportunity to tell the world about the people they love most. One child's family photo featured two fathers instead of the mother and father present in most of the other pictures; a difference their teacher previously shared with us in conversations about the lower school's approach to same-sex attraction and LGBT rights. That intentional conversation with his teacher prompted us to have a crucial teachable moment at home about respect, relationships, and marriage. Even though our child was young, circumstances provided a unique opportunity to address this relevant topic organically.

In retrospect, both situations underscore the importance of parental involvement not only in lightning rod situations at schools but in the daily monotony of home life. Parents bear the primary responsibility for raising children. Public protests ring hollow if there is no passion to parent in private. The groundwork for a child's view on gender and sexuality begins in the home. We help them discover the power of critical thinking, the purpose of empathy, and the proper worldview. We are their guardrails, guiding them on roads to maturity as they navigate childhood, becoming adults who exude compassion and stand with conviction.

My wife and I are not perfect parents, but we are intentional. While parents rightly lament violation of innocence and legislators craft laws to prohibit premature sexual indoctrination in primary schools, it is imperative that mothers and fathers view this debate as a clarion call; warning them that ignoring and delaying conversations on uncomfortable issues is no longer acceptable. Sexual orientation, gender, and the increasing contention over these issues in the public square will not magically disappear because we ignore them at dinner tables in households across the country and ban them from schools. A mother or father's influence in their child's life is more potent than any school curriculum or Disney program combined.

When presented with the actual language of Florida's opponent dubbed "Don't Say Gay" Bill, most American voters support it across partisan lines. One of Florida's largest employers, Disney, was initially silent on the matter. Still, CEO Bob Chapek pledged to combat the legislation after its detractors chastised the entertainment behemoth's lobbyists for not derailing the bill and its cast members flooded corporate with messages. Neither the annual "Gay Days" hosted since 1991 nor more recent efforts toward inclusion, like eliminating "ladies and gentlemen" in theme parks, seemed to protect Disney's longstanding LGBT advocacy from being called into question. Consequently, some concerned patrons have declared a Disney Divorce, purging their homes of any semblance of Mickey's playland.

More broadly, many parents are struggling with school choices, deciding to depart from once-trusted institutions that have shifted from affirmation to celebration to promotion. As a family, our previous experiences have taught us that whatever path we choose, the first classroom remains the living room. When this happens, children recognize what's wrong even when we cannot sit beside them and police every moment and interaction of their school day. They learn to wrestle with opposing views while strengthening their own. On several social and ethical issues over time, schools have been an essential battleground because the hearts and minds of young people will shape tomorrow's policy. Fighting those well-funded wars is imperative, but so is emphasizing the home where too many parents are emotionally absent, functionally inadequate, or morally bankrupt. Decrying the political activities of a secular conglomerate so many have of us have grown to love will not abdicate parental responsibilities to train children in the way they should go. Parents, be vigilant. Hold corporations and education systems accountable. Protect your children from all forms of harm. And teach them how to engage with a world that is ever-changing around them.

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