Two bills have passed out of the State Senate, which would support transparency for parents and protect children from sexually explicit materials in schools. The bills now head to the State House.
Protecting kids from sexually explicit books: The first is SB 7 by Senator Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster), which would protect children from sexually explicit materials in schools. It would simply require schools to notify parents about materials that are sexually explicit and require their child be given a non-explicit alternative. If parents wish for their children to have access to this material, they will have the ability to opt-in. Click here to ask your Representative to support this legislation.
Empower parents through curriculum transparency: The second is SB 340 by Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin), which would simply allow for parents to easily access what materials are being used to teach their children. SB 340 specifically requires school districts to post on their website a link to textbook titles, course syllabus, summary of each offered instructional course, and the state academic standards for each course offered by the school. Click here to ask your Representative to support this legislation.
Both bills passed this week along mostly party line votes with all Senate Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting against except for SB 7, which had a yes vote from Democrat Senator Lisa Boscola (Lehigh).
Join us in thanking Senators Aument and Mastriano for their leadership on these bills and all the other Senators who supported such common-sense legislation. I’m sure you agree that it’s time that parents know what is being taught and what materials are being used in their child’s classroom!
As the bills now head to the House, please contact your State Representative and ask them to vote Yes on SB 7 (Click to take action) and SB 340 (Click to take action).
