Title: 15 rights parents have in public schools | Parenting
Headings: 15 rights parents have in public schools
15 rights parents have in public schools
Here are 15 of your unalienable rights in the U.S. public school system.
The right to a free education
An immigrant child’s right to a free education
The right not to be discriminated against
Right to learn English and other language rights
Right to be safe in school
Right to freedom of speech and religion
Right to information and participation
Right to learn about evolution, not creationism or intelligent design
Right to opt your children out from sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education
Right to opt your children out of standardized testing
Right to opt your children out of the classroom entirely
Right to privacy
Rights of children with special needs and disabilities for special instruction
The right to get rid of bad teachers
Rights for student athletes to participate

Content: However, freedom of speech and religion are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If it isn’t distracting to other students, your children have the right to pray when they are at school, the right to take religious books to school, the right to wear clothes signifying their religious beliefs (including a hijab, yarmulke, bindi, and crucifix), the right to talk about their faith at school, the right to organize a religious club, the right to refer to their religious beliefs in student assignments, and the right to miss school in observance of religious holidays. Conversely, it is illegal for a public school to proselytize or impose religious beliefs on your child or promote one religion as superior to another, or religion in general as superior to secular beliefs. Discussion of world religions must be “neutral”. School prayer led by teachers or coaches is illegal. There can be no display of religious doctrines like the ten commandments, and secular children don’t have to say “under God” when the class recites the Pledge of Allegiance. If a school promotes or demeans a religion, parents can complain to the school district, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and the ACLU. “ A Minute of Silence” is often encouraged, although some states disregard the First Amendment entirely and go ahead and say prayers in class. A state-by-state list is available here. Can a parent ask for the phrase “In God We Trust” to be removed from a school classroom?