Senator Declan O’Scanlon released the following statement regarding growing public discontent with the new state curriculum standards set to debut in the fall:

“The fact that the State’s new curriculum standards fomented the recently released, rightfully controversial and unacceptable draft curriculum, is a clear indication that the standards must be reevaluated. As parents are learning more about the specific changes, resistance and anger is growing. Rightfully, people should have a voice in the education of their children, and all lessons, including sex education, should be age appropriate,” said Senator O’Scanlon. “Outrage and shock shouldn’t be what you get when what you need is buy-in.

“These standards were adopted in the spring of 2020 when everyone had a few other things on their minds. The silver lining of the release of the controversial curriculum is that everyone is paying attention. Let’s take advantage of that fact and work with parents to develop standards that work for all … especially our kids,” O’Scanlon continued.

“Lastly, it should be made clear that the problem here is with curriculum and standards, not the LGBTQ community. Those attempting to weaponize this debate against this community must stop. Division and animosity help no one.”