Kunbi Rudnick, candidate for North Penn School Board.
(The following is a Letter to the Editor submission from Kunbi Rudnick, who is running for North Penn School Board on the North Penn Neighbors for Progress slate of candidates. The views expressed within are her own.)
In today's complex political landscape, the term "parental rights" is often a topic of heated debate. Phrases such as "I do not co-parent with the government" sometimes overshadow the true meaning of "parental rights." Instead of being used as a weapon to drive intolerance and division, at its heart, “parental rights” desires to coexist harmoniously with the rights and well-being of others. Taking a balanced approach, we can promote parental autonomy while empowering education choices for all children.
So, what is “parental rights?” It is the fundamental recognition that parents have the responsibility and authority to make decisions regarding their children's upbringing and education. I agree with this wholeheartedly. In the public school system, parents should be encouraged to actively collaborate with educators to shape their children's educational journey, tailoring, as best as possible, to meet the student's needs and aspirations. This is indeed in the best interest of the child.
Why am I concerned about the current “parental rights” landscape? I am concerned because I see historical parallels which are alarming.
Recently, my family and I paid a very somber visit to the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, one of the first Nazi concentration camps built in 1933. That same year, Nazi-dominated student groups carried out public burning of books and other atrocities — intolerant actions that would eventually set the stage for World War II. One could argue that had good people stood up in 1933 to speak up against the intolerance brewing, we could have avoided one of humanity's greatest atrocities.
But they didn't speak up.
As we usher our students back to school, I call on my fellow residents to see the hijacking of the term "parental rights" for what it is: an attempt by intolerant groups, like "Moms for Liberty," to breed and drive hate. These groups and their supporters use ideologies like book bans to force students into conforming to their viewpoints.
Our "parental rights" should not be used as a tool to obstruct or impede others' rights to educational opportunities and freedoms. In an inclusive society, the rights and opportunities of every child should be equally valued, irrespective of their family structure, background, or circumstances.
Parents undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping their children's educational paths. My husband and I have navigated the intricacies of advocating for our daughters' educational options, especially concerning their Individual Education Plans. This enables us to deeply understand the challenges of diverging from the norm. These experiences make us advocates for every parent's right to express their concerns. However, while acknowledging parental autonomy, we must prioritize fair access to quality education for all children. Therefore, “parental rights” should focus on fostering inclusive education choices for all.
Actions like imposing book bans contradict the whole concept of inclusive education. Diverse, age-appropriate literature cultivates learning, tolerance, empathy, and acceptance — a commitment our public school system makes to all students.
In conclusion, I adamantly oppose anyone or organization that spews hate under the cloak of "parental rights" and, in particular, the attempts to obliterate freedoms. For me, this is not a fuzzy line. I respect everyone's right to nurture their children as they see fit, as long as no physical or emotional harm comes to the child. I simply ask that they respect mine and yours.
My fellow North Penn parents and guardians, you're the "good people."
Let's get loud. Let us reclaim "parental rights" for the good of our students. Please come out to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to let your position on inclusive education be affirmed.
Warmest Regards,
Kunbi Rudnick
Kunbi Rudnick is a North Penn School District parent and volunteer. She is also currently one of the three Montgomery Township auditors. As a trained chemical engineer, she has successfully led multiple complex projects within manufacturing operations. Kunbi is currently running for one of the five North Penn School Board director positions.
