Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 721, which establishes the fundamental right of parents to opt their children out of certain educational content in public schools. As a parent deeply invested in my children’s upbringing, I believe this bill is essential to preserving parental authority and protecting the well-being of our students. HB 721 recognizes that parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s education, particularly when it comes to content that may conflict with family values or pose potential harm. This legislation empowers parents to make informed choices about what their children are exposed to in the classroom, ensuring that sensitive or controversial materials are not imposed without consent. Additionally, the bill reinforces the principle that the state and school systems should not overstep into personal family matters, allowing parents to maintain control over their children’s moral and emotional development. As a parent, I have always believed it is my right to shield my children from programs or materials that I deem inappropriate or detrimental to their health and values. This is especially critical when it comes to sexually explicit subjects or content that, once seen, cannot be unseen. Without the ability to opt out, parents like me may remain unaware of the potential damage done to our children until it is too late. HB 721 ensures that I can exercise this fundamental responsibility without fear of state or school interference, protecting my family’s values and my children’s innocence. This bill directly impacts my ability to safeguard my children’s well-being, aligning with my deeply held belief that such personal matters are not the business of external entities. I also appreciate that HB 721 respects the diversity of family perspectives by giving parents the autonomy to decide what is best for their own children. This approach fosters trust between schools and families, ensuring that education remains a collaborative effort rather than a top-down mandate. In closing, I firmly support HB 721 because it upholds the essential role of parents in guiding their children’s education and protects our right to make decisions aligned with our values. This bill matters deeply to me and countless other families across Virginia who seek to preserve our authority and protect our children from content we deem harmful. Thank you for considering this perspective as you deliberate on this important subject.

I support HB 721. Parents have the fundamental right to decide when and how these sensitive topics are presented to their children. There should always be informed consent, or the ability to opt-out before children are exposed to this kind of material.

HB478 This testimony is in favor of the enactment of a Fine Arts Seal of Excellence on high school diplomas. In considering the Fine Arts Seal of Excellence on a diploma, a lot is to be considered. Guidelines and criteria should reflect the dedication students have given to the Fine Arts Program of their school district to receive such an honor. This honor would be not only an encouragement to the dedication and participation of the programs that really compliment the educational experience students receive academically, This recognition would not only serve to encourage the students participating and dedicating themselves, but also be a lighthouse to beacon prospective students to participate in such programs. We have long known the value of such programs to improve academic improvement, aid in responsibility through punctuality and taking ownership of being a part of team effort. These skills are valuable and carry young people into adulthood and through the rest of their lives. To recognize their significant dedication to such programs for most of their formidable high school years will I believe shape stronger intellect and success in our future graduates. Please deeply consider the positive impact this will have on future graduates when approving this measure. Respectfully, Mrs. O’Neill

I support this bill.