North Egypt News

Franklin County activist Karen Tucker accused state officials of overstepping their boundaries in the battle over educational standards in Illinois public schools.

"As a parent, you want to be the one to pass on your beliefs and values to your child," Tucker told the North Egypt News. "But with what the state is looking to do, they're assuming that role all to themselves, and while doing it, they're taking away choices and the introduction to opposing views."

Tucker's comments are in response to a policy backed by the State Board of Education that is pending before a legislative committee that would alter education known as the Culturally Responsive plan.

The policy's critics claim it would require teachers to take such steps as "creating a risk-taking space that promotes student activism and advocacy," The Center Square reported. At the same time, supporters insist the aim is to create a more welcoming environment for students.

"The job of the schools is to teach kids, not try to mold them to the point they become Stepford Wives for the left," she said. "I think we only achieve true diversity when we can have different views expressed where we can all learn and grow."

Tucker said she thinks the move politically-motivated and part of an overall Democratic plan designed to grow the party into the future.

"They're trying to remake society so that everything reflects this new reality they're going for," she said. "They're trying to do it why indoctrinating our kids with all their views."

With the 12-member Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) slated to meet on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to debate the issue, Tucker is urging more parents to become involved.

"People need to start getting back to school board meetings and letting their feelings be known," she said. "Parents need to have more of a voice about what's being told to their kids."