by Marie Tiemann

We at SPEAKVT congratulate and extend our appreciation to Rebecca Duprey for courageously speaking up at a school board meeting regarding Green Mountain High School’s attempt to secretly counsel her special-needs son to be transgender.

These actions by school personnel are in direct conflict with parents’ rights to the upbringing of their children. Rebecca is a caring and engaged parent who needs support for her child with special needs—not discord.

You can read the full account here:
Vermont Daily Chronicle – Mom: School transitioned her special-needs son without her knowledge or consent

Children are not mere creatures of the government. Parents have an inherent God-given right to direct all their children’s upbringing and wellbeing.

 The actions at Green Mountain High School are a direct result of the Vermont Agency of Education’s “Continuing Best Practices for Schools Regarding Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students” policy.

This policy says…

“Schools should work closely with the student and family, if appropriate, in devising an appropriate plan regarding the confidentiality of the student’s transgender or gender nonconforming status that works for both the student and the school.”

But who decides what is “appropriate”?

Are school personnel relying on student testimony that may be inaccurate? Are they prejudging parents as possible abusers?

Children belong to parents, not the state. Many schools maintain two sets of student files: one for school personnel and one for parents to view.

SPEAKVT fully supports student safety. Mechanisms already exist to address genuine abuse. Secrecy is not the answer. It creates division, erodes trust, and places children at risk of emotional harm and irreversible physical consequences.

How can parents trust school personnel under such a policy? This approach drives a wedge between schools and families rather than inviting parents to work with the school. The greatest harm falls on the children who suffer the consequences of family division.

Here are practical steps to maintain your God-given authority over your children’s education and health:

• Become fully informed. Visit the classroom. Observe materials posted in hallways and on walls. Check what books are on the shelves and ask what will be included in the curriculum. Are you aware of the new transgender dolls with interchangeable body parts recommended for clinicians and educators for ages 4–10?
• Additionally, you may opt out your child from instruction that violates your religious beliefs.  You can use this opt out for human sexuality instruction and surveys at SpeakVT.org. (Alternatively, go to SpeakVT.org, then Resources, then Opt Out Forms.)
• Know the curriculum. It is your right to know the specifics of any curriculum taught to your child.
• Talk to your children. Ask what they are hearing in school. Remind them: “No secrets from parents.”
• School-based health centers. Does your school have one? What are the rules on parental notification and consent?
• Surveys. Review every survey before it is given to your child. By law you may opt your child out of the surveys.
• Use this opt out for human sexuality instruction and surveys at SpeakVT.org.  (Alternatively, go to SpeakVT.org, then Resources, then Opt Out Forms.)

The Vermont State government should investigate this case and revise the policy. Approximately 199 schools in our state currently operate under this “secrecy” policy and are at risk of significant legal exposure.

The U.S. Department of Justice has already sued Kansas City over a school policy that kept parents in the dark.

For information on parental rights under federal law, go to studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa.