When your kids are home for the holidays, ask them about the books they're reading in school... and be prepared to be shocked and outraged!

Not just Virginia's problem-coming to a school near you, too!

Would you believe that an ad - banned by network television stations in Virginia - because it is unlawful to show such sexually explicit materials - is the current reading material provided to Virginia's students? Several local TV stations refused to air Independent Women’s Voice’s ad: “Worth 1,000 Words”, depicting sexually explicit materials available in VA public schools. Federal communications law prohibits televisions from showing adults such materials, even when the same materials have been available to kids in Virginia public schools. IWV accordingly created a modified version of its 30-second ad, which shows a blurred version of what kids see, to conform with that law. But today, stations again refused to air the ad, claiming it still is ostensibly not suitable for late night adult viewing. Today's guests, Kelsey Bolar and Julie Gunlock, are Senior Policy Analysts at Independent Women's Voice, an organization located in Washington, D.C.

Both the first uncensored ad and the second with censored images may be viewed at ToxicSchools.org. Parents can also take action at the website and make their voices heard. Federal law prohibits TV stations from airing obscene, indecent or profane content, marketers must follow text message industry S.H.A.F.T regulations, and social media companies have similar rules in place that make it impossible to actually show the public the explicit content. Yet, when it comes to Virginia public school students, these protections are thrown out the window. In 2016, then-Governor McAuliffe vetoed a bill that would have allowed parents to block sexually explicit books in school, and in 2021 he stated that he didn’t think parents should have a say about what is imposed on their children.This is despite the specific protections Virginia law gives the rights of parents.

Again, don't think this is only a problem for Virginia-it's coming to a school near you, too!