Parkers to Principal:
Date: Friday, March 4, 2005
Subject: David and Tonia Parker's Parental Rights Assertion
We would like to clarify that our previous e-mail which states: "we do not give the Lexington Public School system permission to discuss homosexuality issues (i.e. - trans gender/bisexual/gay headed households) to our son [son's name]" - is a parental assertion; not a matter open to legal interpretation or administrative policy. Let us, David and Tonia Parker, parents of [son's name], be clear in purpose and prose on this matter:
Discussions concerning homosexuality issues will not take place in front of our son, [son's name] (5 yrs old), at Estabrook. This includes material given to [our son] to covertly transport into our household (i.e.- diversity book bag). Such doctrine is against our Christian family beliefs. We will be notified when there are plans to have homosexual material discussed with the students - when [our son] is present - so that we can take action to ensure his spiritual safety. You are not permitted to infringe upon our religious beliefs and parental rights or obviate our freedom of choice, to exclude our son from material that would expose him to beliefs contrary to the Word of God in our Christian faith. Our parental rights and Christian belief system will be respected in this diversity- oriented, anti-biased school community. We know other parents, of various faiths and values, that endorse this position. This is not solely a Christian assertion of rights.
May God bless everyone who reads this to be shown his Love and truth of his Word.
In Christ,
Dave and Tonia Parker
PS- It is requisite that our assertion of rights be documented to teacher/staff; since, there were previous examples of less than adequate communication within the Lexington School system.
Principal's reply to Parkers:
Date: Monday, March 28, 2005
Subject: Re: David and Tonia Parker's Parental Rights Assertion
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Parker,
I just wanted to let you know that I did receive this email.
Thanks.
Joni Jay
Principal, Estabrook School
http://www.article8.org/docs/news_events/parker/timeline_events.htm
In fairness maybe you should print all the emails. Even though I don't agree with the school's policies here, the first couple of emails from her were courteous, professional, and she offered multiple chances to set up a meeting.
You have only printed the third reply from her at which point I'm sure she was pretty fed up. She made dates and times available to the parents and instead of taking her up on her offer, they answered with harangues.
Print the entire exchange instead of taking bits out of context.