Parents should control what children learn in school

 In the ongoing debate about education, conservatism firmly holds that parents, not schools or government entities, should have primary control over what children learn, as this aligns with principles of individual liberty, family sovereignty, and limited government intervention [1][3][5]. 

This perspective emphasizes that parents are the natural guardians of their children's moral, intellectual, and spiritual development, and schools should serve as extensions of parental choices rather than overriding them with state-mandated curricula that may promote progressive ideologies [2][4].

 For instance, conservatives often argue against school policies that introduce controversial topics like gender theory or critical race theory without parental consent, viewing such actions as an overreach that undermines family values and religious freedoms [6][7]. 

Historical and philosophical conservative thought, rooted in ideas of personal responsibility and local control, supports empowering parents through mechanisms like school choice vouchers or homeschooling options, ensuring that education reflects community standards rather than bureaucratic dictates [8][9]. 

Ultimately, when schools usurp parental authority, it erodes the foundational role of the family in society, which conservatism seeks to protect as essential for a stable, virtuous citizenry.

Sources

1 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

2 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

3 Hamilton's Curse by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

4 Broke by Glen Beck

5 Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin

6 The Philosophy of the American Revolution by Morton White

7 Arguing With Idiots by Glen Beck

8 How the Left Was Won by Richard Mgrdechian

9 The Federalist Papers In Modern Language edited by Mary E. Webster

In addition:

Building on the conservative principle that parents hold primary authority over their children's education, it's essential to recognize that this control extends to curriculum choices, ensuring that schooling aligns with family values rather than imposing external ideologies [1][2]. 

Historical conservative thought emphasizes limited government in education, arguing that schools should facilitate parental oversight rather than act as independent entities dictating moral or social teachings [3]. 

For example, when schools introduce topics without parental input, it risks eroding traditional family structures, which conservatives view as the bedrock of societal stability [4]. 

Empowering parents through tools like school vouchers or opt-out policies for controversial subjects preserves individual liberties and prevents bureaucratic overreach [5]. 

Ultimately, this approach fosters a virtuous citizenry by prioritizing local and familial control over centralized mandates [6].

Sources

1 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

2 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

3 Hamilton's Curse by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

4 Glen Beck's Common Sense by Glen Beck

5 Arguing With Idiots by Glen Beck

6 Philosophy, The Federalist, and the Constitution by Morton White