Apparently attempting to out-do California’s recent attempt to tell parents how to raise their children, the Texas State Legislature has introduced a bill that will fine parents $500 if they miss or choose not to attend a meeting with their child’s teacher.
The bill was introduced by Republican Wayne Smith, who claimed the measure would help forge bonds between teachers and parents, helping kids along the way.
Teachers, however, see the measure in a different light. Kathy Carlson, an elementary school teacher in Carrollton, Texas, voiced her opposition to the measures: “Sometimes I think [that parents] think we’re out to get them. When you’re talking about fining and pressing criminal charges, it kind of reflects that attitude…”
Under the proposed legislation, schools would send a choice of three dates to parents. Parents who failed to respond or who failed to attend the scheduled meetings would be arrested, fined up to $500, and receive a criminal record.
Concerns over enforcement of the law will likely prevent its passing; it also faces opposition from many state Representatives, including Public Education Committee chair Rob Eissler. However, the bill is just one in a string of recent encroachments into the role of parent on the part of state governments: with people apparently supporting the spirit of such measures — if not necessarily the proposed punishments — then it would appear only a matter of time before they become law.
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Kevin Fields
Feb 03, 2007
I’m surprised you didn’t also highlight Governor Rick Perry bypassing the entire state legislature to enact a new law which forces parents to vaccinate their daughters against cervical cancer, in the process guaranteeing huge profits for Merck. (story). His political and financial ties to Merck make me very interested as to just who this is going to be good for.
Rob Miller
Feb 03, 2007
Good god, that’s awful.
Potential Threat
Feb 03, 2007
Texas is a scary, scary place.
–Po
chuck norris
Feb 03, 2007
well that’s what they get for electing a religious nut, I just hope this guy doesn’t ever run for president, we’ve had enough former Texas governors for an eon or two.
the funny thing is they are more concerned with the vaccine condoning premarital sex, than with the fact he’s only doing it cause he’s getting paid to.
what makes it even more funny to me, is according to the bible there is no such thing as premarital sex; thats right, laying with a women, makes her your wife; not that i believe in such things, but since these religious people choose that way of life, they should at least know what it really says.
Nigel Watt
Feb 04, 2007
I am Texan and I hate Rick Perry. Just wanted to say that.
R
Feb 05, 2007
Our children won’t get the shot (hpv) here in Texas, we have a form from the health dept saying we are concience objectors and exempt from the so called (untested for a 10 year period)cancer shot.
miche
Feb 09, 2007
My little one is still in TX schools. She is an AP student with As and Bs. I have never been called to a PTC. BUT, I will not be forced to go to one even if she bombs a grading period. And as far as the HPV vaccine goes, she is being vaccinated because I find it prudent, not because Perry is mandating it. In fact, she was the first in our OB/GYN’s office to get the shot and she was still without “sin”. HPV is so prevalent that it makes sense to this family. (Of course, her daddy is a doc and we know first hand what HPV can bring.)
geri
Feb 15, 2007
It’s stupid and the only thing it will do is make the parent more resentful of the educational system and the kids will be caught right in the middle of it and that’s never good.