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“We now know that sex is not a binary state, with just two defined outcomes. Because of the complexity of the genes and proteins involved in sex determination, many variations exist. Some individuals are born with intermediate sexual characteristics, or even with anatomical features that do not match an individual’s sense of their own gender (‘transgender individuals’).”
–TEXT OF SCIENCE TEXTBOOK UNDER CONSIDERATION
A parent who is also a newly elected Arizona school board member is providing much-needed transparency to school curriculum and policy, by, among other actions, leaking the text of a biology textbook the district is considering using that proclaims that biological sex is fluid and telling parents the school district is quietly considering a Title IX proposal to let children use the bathroom of their preferred gender identify.
Quick Facts
Within a month of being elected to the board of the Peoria Unified School District, parent Heather Rooks was already letting other parents know about decisions that could affect their children. On January 20, Rooks posted on her Facebook page regarding a science book at the Peoria Unified School District that touts unproven left-wing propaganda, including that biological sex is not binary. The book, written by biologists Ken Miller and Joe Levine, states:
“The biochemical, physiological, and anatomical features associated with ‘males’ and ‘females’ are turning out to be more complex than previously realized, with many genes involved in their development. We now know that sex is not a binary state, with just two defined outcomes. Because of the complexity of the genes and proteins involved in sex determination, many variations exist. Some individuals are born with intermediate sexual characteristics, or even with anatomical features that do not match an individual’s sense of their own gender (‘transgender individuals’). Sex determination is an active area of research that should yield a more sophisticated understanding in years to come.”
Rooks also called attention to the book’s lesson on mRNA vaccines. She told Fox News, “I mean, these are kids we’re talking about. It’s not adults making adult decisions. These are children. So, their minds are…not developed completely yet.”
Rooks also let parents know that the school board was having a closed-door meeting with lawyers regarding Title IX and the possibility of allowing children to use the bathroom of their preferred gender identity. She explained how parents could speak to the board and notified them of the option of making the meeting open to the public.
The new board member also posted that the superintendent and school board president had approved staff travel for social workers to attend the National School Social Work Conference, which, she warned, had made public statements embracing Critical Theory (CRT), Black Lives Matter, social justice, and other leftist ideologies.
She provided the following quote from the organization:
“Our mission as school social workers should be to dismantle white supremacy in our profession and in our schools. When we seek to dismantle systemic racism and oppression created by white supremacy, then and only then are we able to fully embrace and value the diversity in our communities.”
Rooks campaigned for her position on the board on a promise to protect children and parental rights, support academics, and advocate for transparency.
Rooks should be an inspiring role model for parents to follow. It wasn’t enough for her to speak at board meetings; she wanted the ability to serve as a voice for parents and children so she ran for the board. Now as a board member, she is able to not only have a vote but to know exactly what is being hidden behind closed doors concerning children, which she can then share with parents.
If Rooks hadn’t run for office, we don’t know if any parents would have known about this “science” book. If Rooks wasn’t on the board, we don’t know if any parents would have learned about the Title IX session or the social work conference.
It’s time for parents to stop trusting the education of their children to other people. If parents can’t homeschool their children or send them to a private school that teaches science instead of the doctrines of woke ideology then they must get passionately involved in their child’s public school. Volunteer in the classroom. Go to board meetings. Run for the board. Talk frequently with teachers. Study what your child is being taught. Establish a parent’s organization and work with other parents to check the power of the schools and effect positive change.
Churches and church members also need to get involved in helping parents better educate their children, whether that be through forming a church school, helping parents pay for private school, assisting with homeschooling, or getting involved in the public school system.
And all Christians should make sure to vote for those school board candidates who, like Rooks, will fight for parental rights, transparency, and making sure that teachers focus on teaching academics rather than brainwashing children.
Children will learn leftist propaganda at public schools if parents and the community don’t step in and stop it. God’s Word tells us that some will try to lead astray those who are not firmly entrenched in the truth. Romans 16:17-18 says,
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.”
As parents, you are responsible for the instruction of your children and you need to be aware that many of those involved in educating your child are not Christians, do not share your beliefs, and are actively trying to corrupt your child’s mind and values. As such, you must do everything you can to protect your children from falsehoods and teach them the truth.
Ready to dive deeper into the intersection of faith and policy? Head over to our Theology of Politics series page where we’ve published several long-form pieces that will help Christians navigate where their faith should direct them on political issues.
