Sex and CRT in schools: what parents should know

The blatant assault on the truth of Christ and basic morality has never been so fierce than it is today. Satan has not changed his tactics. He continues to lie, cheat, manipulate and twist evil into the appearance of good. From the foundations of time, Satan has worked to portray good as evil and “restrictive” while maintaining that evil is actually good. It is the silence of the Church which continues to allow his tactics to prevail not just in public schools, but also in “Catholic” schools. Catholic students are graduating with a knowledge of LGTBQ rights and critical race theory but are unable to recite even the basic 10 Commandments.

The picture is even more bleak in public schools. Viginia students, beginning at age 12, will be asked in a survey to give details about their sexual history and actions. The survey is presented to students from Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County Government. Although the survey is optional, students are impressionable at this age and try to fit in with their classmates and peers. The survey’s questions alone present a subtle message to the student that he/she should already be having sex. The questions ask specifics regarding how the child felt when he/she had sex for the first time, how many times has the student had sex and with how many partners, as well as their age when he/she first had sex.

If you think the issues attacking our faith are limited to just public schools, then you would be greatly mistaken. A lawsuit filed by parents of a California student at a Jesuit High School gives a different picture. The parents, according to the lawsuit, say their son was expelled when he began questioning the teachings at Jesuit High School in Sacramento, California regarding critical race theory. He challenged and questioned the teachings and, according to the lawsuit, the school pushed back by expelling him. The issue arose when five students began pushing an agenda that was moving the focus away from academics and to societal issues. The students issued a letter demanding changes be made to the school curriculum.

According to the National Catholic Register, the letter read (in part): “In our English classes, we need to have more dialogues with students about racial inequity and discrimination. Science classes should also allocate more time to studying underrepresented scientists. Social Justice can be incorporated into the curriculum by viewing how statistics perpetuate harmful stereotypes that limit the way we perceive the spectrum of races.” In addition to wanting to replace actual academics with “theories” and “ideas” targeted toward social issues rather than actual academic success, the letter also said the faculty should work to “help further mitigate gender roles…homophobia, and racism in their teachings”. (National Catholic Register) In other words, its homophobia to call homosexuality sin. It’s “gender roles” to say transgenderism is a sin. According to the implied message within the written letter, religion is the problem and not a sinful lifestyle.

Let us never forget the first line of education, not just with academics but primarily regarding faith and values, is at home. Parents, you are the first teachers of your children, and you must continue teaching. It is not enough to allow schools, or even your parish education program, to be the only faith teachers to your children. In fact, it is detrimental and dangerous. The direction our schools, both public and private, are heading should be deeply concerning and parents you are not powerless. In fact, you have the total power. Here are three ways you can take action to push back against a society that wants to eliminate morals, values, faith, and the concepts of sin and holiness from your child’s life:

1.)    Be very active and aware of what your child is learning: Regardless if your child is in a Catholic or public school, you should know exactly what they are learning and teaching. Have conversations with your children about what they did that day in school. Ask questions! Be active in looking at their homework, school assignments and tests, as well as engage their friends.

2.)    Take your child out of that school: If you child is in a Catholic private school that is teaching concepts opposed to the Church teaching, seems more focused on teaching societal issues rather than academics, or seems to ignore the concepts of sin and holiness, then speak up to the administration. If the school is not willing to lead your child to holiness and help them follow Christ, then remove them from the school. Remember, money is power in education and if your child is not in the school then your money is not there either. If your child is in a public school and you do not have the resources or ability to homeschool, then never underestimate your ability to file complaints and let your voice be heard.

3.)    Vote: It is crucial you let your voice be heard at the ballot box. If your child is in public school, the ballot box is your friend. The school board members are elected and if you do not vote then you are essentially remaining silent. Silence is a killer in education. Even if your child is in a private Catholic school, the most important thing you can do is vote for your elected officials in the state. Your state governor and legislators play a vital role in education laws and requirements.

The most important thing parents can give their children is a firm foundation of faith. If children are not grounded in Christ and their faith is not the fuel for their lives then we as a society, a nation, a church, and a family have all failed them.