The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case where religious families in Montgomery County, Maryland, sought to opt their children out of public school lessons involving LGBTQ storybooks. The conservative majority seemed likely to favor the parents, prioritizing religious freedom and parental rights. Justices like Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh questioned the feasibility of denying opt outs, while liberal justices worried about broader impacts. Should parents be able to have their kids educated a la carte, choosing which lessons align with their beliefs? This debate highlights tensions between individual rights and standardized education, with a ruling expected soon.
A La Carte Education: Skip The LGBTQ Storybook Special
Ted Rall
Ted Rall is a syndicated political cartoonist for Andrews McMeel Syndication and WhoWhatWhy.org and Counterpoint. He is a contributor to Centerclip and co-host of "The TMI Show" talk show. He is a graphic novelist and author of many books of art and prose, and an occasional war correspondent. He is, recently, the author of the graphic novel "2024: Revisited."
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Perhaps it’s time to turn the dial to 11. Let the parents sign off on everything. When the kid can’t pass the finals and graduate? Hand the parent the sheets they signed. “Not our problem. You and your religious beliefs knew better.”
I would also make completing high school or passing the GED a prerequisite for ANY form of social safety aid such as welfare, rent assistance, driver license, and the like. And while we’re at it? Make GETTING a degree a requirement for credit cards. “Hey, kid, you couldn’t finish high school. You’re a bad risk.”
“A high school degree is meaningless.”
“Yes, it isn’t anymore. You need it — or a state-approved medical signoff, and those require you being wheeled in inside an iron lung — to do anything fun or get any help.”