Dear MCPS and Members of the School Board,

We, the undersigned parents and community members, hereby present this petition to advocate for the recognition and protection of parents' rights to opt out of books and lessons that promote LGBTQ ideas within the school curriculum of MCPS.

We acknowledge and appreciate the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment that fosters respect and acceptance for all students, regardless of their identity. We believe in promoting diversity, empathy, and understanding within our schools.

However, we firmly believe that parents should have the ultimate authority and responsibility to guide the moral and cultural education of their children. It is our deeply held belief that the introduction of sensitive topics should be a matter entrusted to parents, who are best positioned to determine the timing, content, and approach of such discussions within the context of their family values and beliefs.

Therefore, we request that the School Board implement a policy that grants parents the right to opt out their children from any books, curriculum materials, or lessons that include LGBTQ content. This opt-out provision would allow parents to exercise their fundamental rights to direct their children's education and upbringing while ensuring that alternative educational options are made available to those who choose to opt out.

We understand that diversity and inclusivity are important values to be taught in schools, and we do not advocate for any form of discrimination. Rather, we seek to strike a balance that respects the rights of all stakeholders involved, including parents, while maintaining a nurturing and academically enriching learning environment for all students.

In addition, we request that the School Board establish clear and transparent procedures that allow parents to review and provide feedback on curriculum materials related to LGBTQ content. This will foster open dialogue between the school district and parents, ensuring that concerns and perspectives from all stakeholders are considered and addressed.

We believe that by honoring parents' rights to opt out and promoting open communication and collaboration, we can create a harmonious educational environment that respects the diversity of our community and upholds the values of parental involvement.

We sincerely hope that the School Board will consider this petition and take our concerns into account as you make decisions regarding the curriculum and educational materials within MCPS. We trust in your commitment to fostering a school district that promotes academic excellence, inclusivity, and parental engagement.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.