Chad Taylor is the author of this commentary.
It might seem like a straightforward matter for parents to have access to their children’s school records.
Regrettably, numerous parents throughout Washington have shared their exasperation regarding the incomplete, unavailable or inaccessible records. This could be the reason why nearly 450,000 Washingtonians supported Initiative 2081, which is a proposal to the Legislature that would grant parents and guardians of public school children the ability to review instructional materials, examine records, receive notifications and choose to opt out of specific school activities.
The Washington state House of Representatives passed Initiative 2081 with an 85-15 vote, and it was also passed by the Washington state Senate with a unanimous 49-0 vote, making it a remarkable display of bipartisan support.
During her floor speech in March 2024, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, the Chairperson of the House Education Committee and a Democrat representing the 37th District, explained that Initiative 2081 consolidates existing laws into one comprehensive document, without altering the underlying laws.
During his March 2024 floor speech, our local state Representative Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, emphasized that the initiative could either codify existing law or introduce new measures. Nevertheless, he asserted that it would promote stronger family bonds and enhance communication pathways for students. He acknowledged that certain discussions between parents and children could be uncomfortable, but he believed that such moments were crucial for building trust and strengthening relationships.
On May 23, the ACLU of Washington, Legal Voice, and QLaw filed a lawsuit to block the initiative from taking effect, citing its contradiction with existing federal and state laws. Despite receiving strong bipartisan support, the plaintiff’s attempt to secure a temporary restraining order was denied by King County Superior Court, allowing the initiative to take effect on June 6 as originally scheduled by the Legislature. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for June 21.
After the court refused to grant the injunction, Superintendent Chris Reykdal from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) made it clear that he would not implement the initiative, which was passed by the Legislature. Reykdal emphasized that it is entirely up to the students to decide when and with whom they wish to share their gender identity. As per his statement, “It is the student’s decision when and if their gender identity is shared, and with whom.”
It’s concerning to see Reykdal making the decision not to enforce a law that was passed by the Legislature. This raises questions about whether he believes he is above the law and not accountable to the people of Washington. His actions suggest an overreach of power and a blatant disregard for the democratic process. It’s important to consider where this kind of selective enforcement might lead if allowed to continue unchecked.
As a firm believer in safeguarding children, I strongly advocate for the protection of minors against any form of abuse, assault, or violence, whether it occurs within or outside their home. In cases where there is clear evidence of abuse within the household, it may be necessary to withhold disclosure to ensure the child’s safety. Fortunately, there are laws in place to address such situations and provide the necessary protection for children.
Most parents love and want to protect their children. It’s common for children to disagree with their parents as they grow up, especially when it comes to personal relationships and dating. Reykdal’s decision to take away parents’ ability to be involved in their children’s education and understanding of their personal lives is unfair to the majority of parents who are committed to strengthening family relationships.
Reykdal’s decision to neglect the enforcement of Initiative 2081 is not only disrespectful towards the Legislature, but it also undermines the values of transparency and accountability that every parent in Washington holds dear. By taking this stance, he is essentially discounting the fundamental role of parents in their children’s lives and implying that he knows better than the people and their elected officials.
Abbarno makes a valid point that fostering stronger family relationships requires open communication, even when it involves difficult conversations. Creating barriers between parents and students, as well as parents and the education system, should not be our goal. Instead, we should focus on building bridges that facilitate better understanding and cooperation.
While I partially agree with Santos’ statement that Initiative 2018 only codified existing laws, I believe that the codification holds greater significance. I-2081 serves as a crucial reminder for parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives and education.
Many people have placed their trust in public education as a means of educating their children, but unfortunately, they have not been satisfied with the outcome.
As we move forward, it is essential for voters to express their opinions on a range of issues, including this one. As our state constitution clearly states, all political power belongs to the people. Therefore, it is crucial not to allow any single politician to dictate your relationship with your school or student. Ensure that your voice is heard and your opinion is taken into account.