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As a parent, you want your child’s education to focus on facts, skills, and values that prepare them for life. But in some classrooms, teachers are introducing queer theory—a radical ideology that challenges traditional norms about gender, sexuality, and society. This guide will help you understand what’s happening, why it’s a problem, and how you can take action to protect your child.

What Is the “Motte and Bailey” Tactic?

Imagine a castle with a strong, defensible tower (the “motte”) and a large, less defensible courtyard (the “bailey”). The motte and bailey tactic is a trick where someone makes a bold, controversial claim (the bailey) but, when challenged, retreats to a safer, less controversial claim (the motte). In education, this looks like:

• The Bailey (bold claim): Teachers say they’re “queering the curriculum” to challenge norms and promote radical ideas about gender and sexuality.
• The Motte (safe claim): When parents object, teachers retreat to saying they’re just being “inclusive” or “teaching diversity.”

This tactic makes it hard to argue against without seeming like you’re against inclusion. But inclusion and queerness are not the same thing, and it’s important to know the difference.

Key Terms You Need to Know

• Inclusivity: Making sure all students feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background (e.g., race, religion, disability). True inclusivity is about kindness and fairness, not ideology.
• Queer: Originally a slur, this term has been reclaimed by some to describe non-traditional sexual orientations or gender identities. In education, it often means challenging or rejecting societal norms.
• Queering the Curriculum: This means adding queer theory to lessons. Queer theory isn’t just about acceptance—it’s about questioning and destabilizing what’s considered “normal” (e.g., traditional family structures, biological sex). In elementary schools, this can confuse young children who need clear, factual learning.

Coercive and Deceptive Tactics Used in Schools

Some teachers push queer theory while dismissing parents’ concerns. Here are the main tactics they use:

• Hiding Behind “Inclusivity”: Teachers claim they’re just being inclusive, but they’re actually promoting queer ideology. For example, they might say they’re “teaching inclusively” to make it sound harmless, even though they’re introducing complex ideas about gender and sexuality.
• Using Critical Theory: Teachers use methods like critical literacy, which encourages students to question power and norms. This might sound educational, but it’s often a way to push activism instead of facts—too advanced and ideological for young kids.
• Ignoring Parents: When parents object, teachers might offer small compromises (like letting a child skip a lesson) but won’t change the overall curriculum. They dismiss concerns as unimportant or unreasonable.
• Leveraging Policy: Teachers use school rules or laws to defend their actions, even if parents disagree. This makes parents feel like they have no say.

These tactics are coercive because they force queer ideology into classrooms while sidelining parents. They’re deceptive because they hide behind feel-good words like “inclusivity” to avoid real discussion.

Why This Is a Problem

• It’s Not Age-Appropriate: Elementary students need to focus on basics like reading and math, not complex ideas about gender and sexuality.
• It Undermines Parental Authority: Parents should have a say in what their kids learn. Ignoring you breaks that trust.
• It Confuses Children: Challenging basic truths (like boys and girls) can unsettle young kids who need stability.
• It’s Activism, Not Education: Schools should teach facts, not push political ideas.

What Parents Can Do to Stop It

You have the power to protect your child’s education. Here’s how:

1. Educate Yourself:
   • Learn what queer theory is and how it’s used in schools. Look up articles or videos online.
   • Ask for your school’s curriculum details—lesson plans, books, anything they’re teaching.
2. Talk to Teachers:
   • Ask clear questions: “What are you teaching about gender or sexuality? Why is this in the curriculum?”
   • Stay calm but firm: “I’m all for kindness, but I’m worried about ideology in the classroom.”
3. Engage with School Boards:
   • Go to meetings and speak up. Bring examples of what’s being taught.
   • Suggest focusing on core skills instead of controversial topics.
4. Form Parent Groups:
   • Team up with other parents who feel the same way.
   • Share info and plan together—maybe write a group letter to the school.
5. Monitor What Your Child Learns:
   • Talk to your kid about their day. Check their homework or classwork.
   • If something seems off, write it down and raise it with the teacher.
6. Use Legal Resources:
   • If the school won’t listen, talk to a lawyer who knows education law.
   • Look up your state’s rules on parental rights.
7. Advocate for Policy Changes:
   • Push for rules that let parents approve or get notified about sensitive topics.
   • Back school board members who care about parents’ voices.
8. Consider Alternatives:
   • If the school won’t budge, look into private schools or homeschooling.
   • Find options that match your values and focus on real learning.

Final Thoughts

You’re your child’s best defender. Don’t let schools brush you off or confuse you with buzzwords. Demand clear answers and a focus on age-appropriate, fact-based education. By staying informed and active, you can keep your child’s classroom a place for learning—not ideology.