For Immediate Release:
April 18, 2022

Commissioner Director Arnone issues statement regarding the creation of a Parents Bill of Rights, seeks parental input

FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone issued the following statement regarding the creation of a Parents Bill of Rights concerning protection and education of students in grades K-2:

“Last week, my fellow Commissioners and I unanimously voted to approve a resolution calling for the creation of a Parents Bill of Rights concerning the protection and education of students in grades kindergarten through second grade.

I cannot stress enough how strongly we, as a Board, are opposed to the legislation that was passed, without adequate opportunity for public comment and parental input, regarding the deeply disturbing and highly sensitive content that will be taught to our young children.

We believe that the decisions about discussions regarding these delicate topics should be made by a parent and not by the government, which is why we passed a resolution at the County level calling for the creation of a Parents Bill of Rights to use as a model for our County schools, as well as our local school districts, that will protect our children, notify parents of the curricula being taught to their children in our schools and allow them to make their own decisions regarding their child's education and exposure to sensitive material.

We want to support all parents and guardians and their rights to be heard on important topics, such as these. Therefore, we are asking Monmouth County parents and guardians to send us their input regarding what they believe should be included in a Parents Bill of Rights. Letters can be sent by mail to my attention at One East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 or emailed to PublicInput@visitmonmouth.com.

In addition, if any parent or guardian wishes to send a letter of opposition regarding the legislation that was passed, we will guarantee that they are delivered to the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Education. Your voices will not go unheard.

The most important message here is that parents should have a say in what their children are being taught, especially at such a young age, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners will do everything in our power to make sure that happens in our County.”

# # #