Last week, we reported that Burlington Public Schools gave a sexually explicit survey to middle and high school students, including some as young as 6th grade. Even more troubling, several students whose parents had explicitly opted them out were still forced to take it. The survey included graphic content, asking questions such as:
- What is your sexual orientation?
- What is your current gender identity?
- Have you ever had sexual intercourse? (Defined in detail, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex, as well as the use of toys or props)
It also addressed other mature topics, including substance use and sexual violence.
Understandably, parents were outraged, not only by the inappropriate content but also by the school’s blatant disregard for their rights. Many spoke out at the April 1 and April 8 school committee meetings, but committee members avoided the questions and have yet to provide meaningful answers.
As soon as MFI became aware of the situation, our legal arm, the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, took action. Attorney Sam Whiting sent a formal legal letter to the superintendent and school committee, outlining violations of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment and demanding corrective action. MLLC also filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of parents whose opt-out requests were ignored.
MFI and Burlington parents have continued to press for accountability. Attorney Whiting and a Burlington parent appeared on the Howie Carr Show to raise awareness for other families whose schools may be using similar surveys. And MFI’s videos of parents speaking out at the school committee meetings have gained significant traction online as well. Bay State parents are appalled by the way Burlington school officials clearly violated parental rights, though sadly, many are not surprised. Massachusetts public schools have been eroding parental rights for years, often exposing children to highly sexualized materials through sex ed curriculum and surveys like the one in Burlington.
It’s no surprise that this story is now gaining national attention too, with media figures like Todd Starnes highlighting it. Parents across the country are facing similar violations of their rights, as schools increasingly push ideological agendas that undermine parental authority and indoctrinate students with ideas that conflict with their families’ values.
We are proud to stand with the Burlington parents and commend their courageous advocacy. MFI will continue to monitor the situation, and MLLC will support these parents until there is real accountability and strong policy protections in place to ensure this never happens again. The next Burlington School Committee meeting is scheduled for April 29, and we will be watching closely.
If your child received a similar survey, or if you are a Burlington parent impacted by this PPRA violation and would like help filing a federal complaint, please contact MLLC at [email protected] or 774-462-7043.
