Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Brace for Parental Backlash on Election Day

By Betsy McCaughey

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, highlighting their shared stance on parental rights in education. Both figures oppose parental control over school curricula regarding sex, gender, and homosexuality, a stance misaligned with the majority opinion of Americans, according to Pew Research and You/Gov polls.

On July 25, at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) convention, Harris criticized state laws restricting early education on sexual orientation and gender, underscoring her opposition to book bans. “We want to ban assault weapons. They want to ban books,” she said, referring to literature like “I Am Jazz,” which presents gender identity topics to young children.

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, has voiced concerns over Harris and Walz’s approach, labeling it as extreme. He emphasizes the importance of parental authority in deciding educational content for their children.

Harris has previously condemned lawmakers supporting parental rights, calling them “extremists” at a pride rally on June 23, 2023. An AFT report criticized a Henrico County, Virginia, parent for questioning a school library book, “I’m a Gay Wizard,” which contains explicit content.

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to cut federal funding for schools promoting gender ideology or other contentious content. Harris, however, advocates for inclusive education, sharing on social media a message supporting LGBTQI+ children.

The debate centers on whether schools should introduce topics of gender and sexual identity versus leaving such discussions to families. AFT claims that openly discussing these topics in schools can support students struggling with their identities, as family conversations may lack candor.

In Minnesota, parents protested the inclusion of “Call Me Max,” a book about a transgender boy, in kindergarten. Some states have banned the book, while California’s education department recommends it for young students. On May 22, Walz signed a law preventing parents from removing educational materials, terming opposition as “regressive.”

Walz has also supported providing tampons in boys’ bathrooms, aligning with transgender rights. Harris has mocked parental concerns over book bans, championing inclusive values.

Amidst these debates, educational proficiency remains a critical issue, with alarming statistics showing low proficiency levels in reading and math among fourth graders. Critics point to the AFT’s focus on political issues over effective teaching strategies.

Both the AFT and National Education Association applauded Walz’s selection, reinforcing the alignment between these educational bodies and Harris’s platform.

Parents concerned about their children’s education and future are urged to consider the implications of Harris and Walz’s educational policies in the upcoming election.