School Board Upholds Parental Rights Over Objections of the ACLU

Vista, CA – The board of trustees of the Vista Unified School District voted unanimously to require that pupils obtain parental permission before leaving campus for “confidential medical services.” It is well understood that the term “confidential medical services” is a euphemism for abortion. The American Civil Liberties Union vehemently opposed the decision of the board. The legal director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, David Blair-Loy, stated, “With this action, the Vista School Board has not only defied the laws of the state of California, but they have needlessly put vulnerable teenagers in serious danger.”

Not so, says Brad Dacus who is an attorney and president of the Pacific Justice Institute. “The Education Code says that school authorities may excuse pupils for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without obtaining the consent of parents,” said Dacus who attended the meeting and addressed the board. “The legislature knows the difference between ‘may’ and ‘shall’ even if the ACLU does not,” he continued.

The ACLU is threatening to bring a lawsuit against the school district if it keeps the policy. Pacific Justice Institute vows to fight back in court if necessary should the ACLU instigate litigation. “If asked, PJI will defend the district without charge in the courts,” Dacus commented further.