New school opt out ruling could affect Yuma classrooms
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows parents to opt their children out of public school lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs.
While some parents welcome the decision, others worry it could limit what students are exposed to in the classroom, especially when it comes to topics like gender, identity, and health.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne supports the ruling. But youth advocacy organizations, including Phoenix-based group One∙n∙Ten, say the change could leave some students without important information.
“I would love for Superintendent Horne to speak to members of our community and seek to better understand what is so important about inclusive education and how it changes a young person’s ability to make smart decisions for themselves,” said Nate Rhoton, CEO of One∙n∙Ten.
Some parents, like Ian Cammon, believe the decision supports parental rights in education.
“I think parents have the choice to parent their kids, and it’s not up to the schools, and I think all course content in schools should be related to all ethnic and religious backgrounds,” Cammon said.
Advocates say rural communities like Yuma could feel a greater impact if inclusive lessons are scaled back.
“I think it’s incredibly harmful to all students, at the end of the day, we’re taking away the decision from the young person,” said Rhoton.
“When students really learn about diverse people and families, it normalizes differences and reduces stigma and bullying that results from it,” he added.
The ruling does not change what schools can teach, but it does raise new questions about how schools across Arizona will respond to future opt-out requests.