A proposed change to Delaware Education Regulation 225 is causing concern for parents across the state, and setting a troubling precedent for school districts across the nation.

Among other changes, the proposal would allow students, of any age, to self-identify their gender or race. As troubling as that is in itself, it is the next paragraph that is drawing even more criticism. Paragraph 7.4.1 explicitly states that when a child decides to change their gender identity or race with the school, the parents are the last ones to know – if they’re told at all.

Although many are becoming increasingly aware of the movement to expose children to controversial views of gender and sexuality at younger and younger ages, the inclusion of race in this policy is surprising. Battles around issues of gender identity are happening in virtually every state, but transracialism is considered radical even among progressives.

According to the proposal, a student may at any time and for any reason decide to change the gender identity or race with their school, and the school does not need parental consent. In fact, the schools are instructed to first “work closely” with the student to determine if the parents are supportive of, or even aware of, the student’s decision before deciding whether to ask for parental permission.


Nicole Theis, President of NFA’s sister-organization Delaware Family Policy Council, was recently on Fox & Friends discussing how this regulation could impact families.

As Theis pointed out in the interview, this is a staggering example of government overreach. It takes authority over a child away from the parent and gives it to the state. The Delaware Department of Education is taking it upon itself to decide that any child is mature enough to decide these sensitive matters, and that the child’s parents should only be informed if they are supportive of the child’s decision. Withholding this information sends the message that the government considers its role in childhood development more important than the parents’ role.

The proposal attacks the family unit from the child’s side as well. By questioning the child about their relationship with their parents, and asking the child if their parents support their decision, a school is telling the child that his or her opinions and beliefs should override that of the parents’. This line of questioning would in one stroke both strip away parental authority, and teach the child that any authority should be discarded as soon as it fails to support them.

Beyond the implications this proposal has for childhood development is the impact on parents directly. The school will now be allowed to decide whether a child’s parents are sufficiently supportive to be told about their child’s actions at school. A government entity evaluating the quality of a citizen’s beliefs or opinions, and withholding information based on that evaluation, is contrary to the most integral ideals of our nation.

Education is a critical battleground for the future of our nation. Any regulation or legislation of this nature should be opposed at all levels.

Nebraska Family Alliance
Nebraska Family Alliance exists to advance family, freedom and life by influencing policy, mobilizing prayer, and empowering people.
Nebraska Family Alliance

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