Parents deserve a say in children’s education

In a country founded on principles of freedom—including the freedom to choose—it makes sense that Brunswick County Schools administration has offered parents a choice regarding student viewing of the president’s recent educational message.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama delivered a message to the nation. The message was directed toward school children and many schools across the country allowed students to view it as it aired lived.

However, in Brunswick County, school officials opted to have the broadcast delayed until the end of the week, giving parents the option to view the message and then make a decision about whether they want their children to watch it.

Had the district decided to ban the viewing altogether or if it would have mandated viewership, this would have been a different story.

Instead, the local school district did what was within its rights to do—make a decision on the local level, since, as the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction pointed out, it was an “optional enrichment activity.”

By doing so, the district has given parents an opportunity to have a say in what their children experience in school. What’s wrong with giving parents that opportunity?

Already, parents on both sides of this issue have been vocal, and we think that’s a good thing for all.

The opportunity still exists for every child in Brunswick County to see and hear this message. We hope all parents, regardless of political affiliation, will watch the speech and then make an informed decision about whether the message is one that should be shared with their children.

The important thing to remember, whether you agree with him politically or not, is Obama is the president of the United Sates, and children should be exposed to who he is and what he has to say. This is a perfect opportunity to expand dialogue within families about important issues that affect each and every one of us.

Tuesday’s message was one of hope and encouragement. Obama encouraged students to go to school, to pay attention, to listen to adults and to work hard to succeed. He spoke of overcoming obstacles and diverse life challenges and told young people to never give up.

“The future of America depends on you,” he said, encouraging students to work hard for whatever they decide to do.

“The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.”

Do your best—that’s a good point for all of us to remember, regardless of age or political affiliation.