Utah School Board Removes 13 Sexually Expilicit Books!

A major win for Utah kid's safety and well-being!

The Utah State School Board has made history by announcing the removal of 13 book titles that contain illicit, illegal, sexually pornographic content from every public school in the state. This is not just a partial victory; it’s a sweeping change that ensures these harmful materials are eliminated from all schools across Utah, protecting every single child from exposure to inappropriate content.

The removed titles include:

• “Blankets” by Craig Thompson
• “A Court of Frost and Starlight” by Sarah J. Maas
• “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas
• “A Court of Silver Flames” by Sarah J. Maas
• “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
• “A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J. Maas
• “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas
• “Fallout” by Ellen Hopkins
• “Forever” by Judy Blume
• “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur
• “Oryx & Crake” by Margaret Atwood
• “Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins
• “What Girls Are Made Of” by Elana K. Arnold

This win is the result of tireless efforts and legislative action. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Ken Ivory, who sponsored the bill in the House, Senate sponsor Todd Weiler, and the entire state legislature for passing HB 29 this year and HB 374 two years ago, which made this crucial process possible.

For parents concerned about the content in their children's school libraries, visit ratedbooks.org to find out more about sexually explicit books in public schools.

All non-academic sureys now OPT-IN!

This year, when you register your child for school, you'll notice a significant change in school surveys thanks to Representative Karianne Lisonbee and HB182, which was passed earlier this year.

All non-academic surveys must now be opt-in, and schools are required to fully disclose the surveys they'll be giving to your student, along with examples of the questions. You will have the option to choose whether or not your child will participate in these surveys. This is a fantastic change from the previous system, where schools could issue surveys at any time, and you had to go through the process of opting out. Now, everything is fully disclosed upfront during registration.

Keep an eye out for these important options when you register your child!

The Pronoun Question

We are receiving reports that teachers are asking students for their pronouns! 💥This is against the law.💥 Several years ago, State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson issued a directive reminding educators that asking about gender identity or sexuality, including questions about pronouns, does not comply with federal and state statutes. While teachers' efforts to build relationships with students are commendable, they must adhere to state laws that protect parents' rights. Educators should focus on sending questionnaires home to parents, allowing them to share information about their children.

Know the Law

According to Utah state code 53E-9-203, educators cannot ask about:

• Political affiliations or, except as provided under Section 53G-10-202 or rules of the state board, political philosophies
• Mental or psychological problems
• Sexual behavior, orientation, gender identity, or attitudes
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
• Critical appraisals of individuals with whom the student or family member has close family relationships
• Religious affiliations or beliefs
• Legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, medical personnel, or ministers; and
• Income, except as required by law.

53G-10-202 also mandates that school officials and employees cannot use their positions to endorse, promote, or disparage any religious or secular belief or viewpoint.

If you encounter any incidents, report them to Utah Parents United using this form. For more information, refer to the links provided and ensure that educators are following the law.

Parents can claim an exemption from immunization for medical, religious, or personal reasons under Section 53G-9-303 of the Utah State Code. Additionally, parents can submit an exemption if they choose not to provide their child’s vaccine information to the school. Here’s how to do it:

Complete the Online Immunization Education Module:

• The legally responsible individual must complete the online immunization education module to receive the exemption form.
• You can access the module here.
• Upon completion, you will be provided with a vaccination exemption form.

Alternative Option: In-Person Consultation:

• If you prefer not to take the online education module, you can obtain a vaccination exemption form by visiting your local health department and receiving an in-person consultation. (53G-9-304)

Provide the Exemption Form to Your Child’s School:

• After obtaining the vaccination exemption form, submit it to your child's school.

How long is the exemption form valid?

• The exemption form is valid for as long as your child remains at the school where it was first submitted.
• Forms obtained through the online education module are valid for at least two years.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Attend the first annual Education Innovators Summit to support the vision of customized, independent education. Meet local microschool founders and enjoy a fun-filled day! They will have Food Trucks, Children’s Entrepreneur Market, School Info Booths, and Prizes to give away.

Free to attend, food and marketplace items available for purchase.

Utah Parents United  is a proud sponsor of your health Your Health Freedom Utah Awards Gala and Fundraiser!

September 27, 2024, 6-9 PM

Ashton Gardens in Lehi

Your Health Freedom Utah is the leading health freedom organization in Utah. They have worked tirelessly side-by-side with parents to educate and empower individuals to make informed health decisions and claim their right to buy and sell products and services that build health and wellness; to protect our personal information from being collected in data lakes, and promote technologies that put security and privacy first; and to educate and assist policy makers in the formulation of sound health policy, rules, and law. 

Utah Parents United is a 501c4 non-profit organization and contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes 

Paid for by Utah Parents United