In an unexpected move, an Orange County high school in Florida is now asking parents to sign permission slips for students to attend after-school events, including a recent “Rom-com movie night” featuring the PG-rated Disney film, “Tangled.”
This change is a direct result of Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education law, which mandates parental consent for various school-sponsored activities.
The law, requiring parental permission slips for all school-sponsored events, has led to challenges for schools in its interpretation. Many schools argue that the law’s vagueness leaves them with no choice but to strictly implement the requirement, causing increased workloads for staff and frustration among club sponsors.
At Boone High School, the “Rom-com Movie Night” was organized at the football field after school, with students choosing the PG-rated Disney film, “Tangled,” as the featured movie.
This decision prompted some parents to express frustration over having to sign a permission slip for their child to watch a popular Disney cartoon. Some parents even noted the contrast, as their children can go to a movie theater without needing such authorization.
Beyond movie nights, parents report having to sign new permission slips nearly every week for various after-school programs or events. This includes permission for students to attend after-school tutoring sessions with specific teachers. Parents find the constant paperwork burdensome, while some teachers and club sponsors are growing frustrated with the additional workload.
In response to the ongoing demand for permission slips, some parents are suggesting a more streamlined approach, proposing a one-time permission slip at the beginning of the school year. However, this idea faces challenges, given the legal requirement for parents to be notified ahead of their child’s participation in any school-sponsored activity.
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As Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law continues to impact school policies, the debate over the necessity and practicality of permission slips for various activities persists. It remains to be seen whether there will be adjustments to the law’s implementation or if schools and parents will find a middle ground in addressing concerns and maintaining the educational experience for students.
