Should local PTAs be advocating with Wake County Public Schools against charter schools?
That’s the question that comes to mind after reading (see excerpt below) what a local mom found in her son’s school newsletter.
Some people say PTAs are private organizations and they can do what they want. Others are wary of how in rcent years the PTA has changed dramatically. and how many local PTAs are heavily into advocacy
So who is right?
Legally speaking, we don’t know who the specific organizations are or their affiliations. Is the local PTA a member of NC PTA? If so, they are tax exempt. As such, members would be subject to specific regulations that govern lobbying and political activities.
Of course if the PTA is merely another private organization, they can largely do what they want – on their own time. However the organization and its members are still bound by regulations regarding the use of school personnel or facilities.
Yes, people are free to advocate for their beliefs. However there are regulations on how and where advocacy occurs.
Those questions need to be answered.
PTAs may be legally allowed to advocate. However, letting PTA members train parents of public school students to fight against charter schools still smells wrong to many people.
