This week we are sending our children off to begin a new school year. Aspirations of success, new experiences and making new friends abound in the heart of every child.

As parents we wish the best for our children and will do almost anything to make that desire come true. However, the school environment of today is not that of days past, and parents are waking up to that fact.

There is a very sinister agenda lurking in the hallways and classrooms of schools, and it is preying upon the vulnerable young minds of our children.

We expect children to learn math, English, science, and history in school. What we don’t expect for children to be taught in school is gender ideology, lesbian, gay, oral sex, anal sex or any other similar content.

When did schools become subsidiaries of Penthouse or Playboy? What is next, having students pen anonymous letters of sexual experiences to such magazines?

Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized this poison infiltrating Florida schools and took action. In July 2021 the governor signed into law the “Parental Rights in Education” Act. This law states unequivocally that it is the parent’s right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children.

The law has been dubbed the “don’t say gay” law by some. But the word “gay” cannot be found in the new law, even though liberal media and organizations parrot this talking point. The bill does, however, prevent sexual inappropriate material being taught to children in grades k – 3. Why would anyone protest?

Is there really someone who thinks explaining transgender, bisexual, or lesbian to a 6-year-old is appropriate? Let a child look at a rainbow and see a rainbow.

This week Clay County teachers received a memo from the teacher’s union on how to handle the new law. It states that nothing in the law prohibits pride flags, stickers, or any other LGBTQ+ symbols. Also, if a parent complaint is filed, ask for a union representative, take good notes, don’t sign or agree to anything, and don’t make or write any statements. Does this sound like children are the priority?

At least one Florida family probably would answer a resounding “no!” Parents of two Pasco County teenagers have been denied access to school because their mother opposed surveys containing sexual questions being given to her children. The parents have recently filed a lawsuit against the school officials.

These attacks on the morality of children are daily. On July 12, the Biden administration issued a proposed rule change for Title IX on the Federal Register, the prevention of sex discrimination in schools and federally funded education institutions, to include “gender identity.”

Excerpt from the proposed rule change: “Articulate the Department’s understanding that sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity;”

Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz issued a memo to superintendents, school boards, private school owners and charter schools in response to this proposed rule change. He stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Education guidance documents supporting the change in Title IX are not binding law. In addition, he said that complying with either agencies requirement to display “guidance” documents may violate Florida law. He said a student’s biological sex will determine the bathroom, locker room, sports team or dorm room used. Diaz went on to say that his department will not stand idly by as federal agencies attempt to impose political ideology on Florida schools.

Equality Florida Action. Inc. called the commissioner’s memo a “weaponizing” of Florida Department of Education against nondiscrimination protections.

Title IX was created to protect women athletes from discrimination in 1972. In 2022, Title IX will be revised to include men who want to be women and men who identify as a woman, essentially nullifying the original purpose of Title IX.

Parents have the right to question everything because their child likely will not question anything. Also, as you send your child back to school this year remember that you are your child’s No. 1 advocate and protector.