During the Covid-19 pandemic, many created a list of requests that are not related to education or sometimes Covid-19 before the teachers’ unions agreed to return to classrooms.
In Florida, teachers’ union groups advocated for school districts to require students to wear masks, and were open to the idea of helping students mandate vaccines. However, with grades falling to 30-year lows, parents are beginning to pay attention to what local school districts and teachers unions are proposing to students.
“School districts and teacher unions across the country are entering a new round of contract negotiations. One thing is clear: parents are increasingly wary of discovering that they should focus on many collective bargaining agreements: wages, working conditions and student outcomes.
Runko said teacher unions across the United States are pushing the agenda of activists when negotiating labor contracts. To address this, Group Defending Education advocates three important priorities that will be included in future collective bargaining agreements.
So, to change things, education defending groups hopes to include three constructive priorities in future collective bargaining agreements.
1. I agree with the original Federal Title IX Act
Title IX was passed to protect students and staff from gender-based discrimination in education. It is a civil rights landmark and is designed to allow girls and boys to equal access to academic and academic athletic opportunities. However, in recent years, the law has been extended far beyond its original meaning.
Teacher union contracts must confirm clear and accurate interpretation of Title IX. This means protecting the integrity of women’s sports and the rights of students to maintain gendered spaces such as locker rooms and bathrooms, while protecting all students from harassment.
2. Respect the right of parents to opt out of gender and sexuality content
Mahmoudv. In Taylor, parents challenged the district by refusing to let families opt out of gender identity and sexual orientation-related instruction in elementary classrooms. The Supreme Court ruled that it upheld the right of religious parents to select children from such controversial instructions.
Future collective bargaining agreements should affirm this simple principle. Religious parents have the right to oust off age-inappropriate or controversial teaching materials, particularly those related to the LGBTQ+ ideology of the K-5.
The defense attorney says it is not discrimination. Leading the education and development of children respects the authority of parents.
3. Guarantee Parent Notification and Opt-Out Rights for Student Survey
Runko points out that far too often, schools manage invasive research into students with questions about sexual activity, drug use, mental health and religious beliefs without letting parents know. This violates federal law (i.e., protection of student rights amendments) and erodes trust between families and schools.
“Collective bargaining agreements must require school districts to notify parents before non-academic investigations and provide clear and simple methods. Such provisions will build transparency and ensure that schools are responsible for the communities they serve,” Runko said.
