Chuck Gonzales, an Oregon father, has expressed indignation after discovering that his 11-year-old son, Maxwell, was scheduled to take a state-issued survey concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey, issued by the Oregon Health Authority, has sparked a heated debate over the appropriateness of such topics for young children. Gonzales, a Catholic conservative, argues that the survey undermines parental authority and imposes ideological views on children at an inappropriate age. He claims the survey, which includes questions about gender identity and sexual orientation, was circulated to students in grades six, eighth, and eleventh, with the intention of gathering health-related data. The father expressed his anger over the potential impact of the survey on his son, who he believes has no comprehension of the questions posed. The controversy has prompted calls for parental involvement and has raised questions about the extent of governmental oversight in personal domains.
Beth Graser, the communications officer at Hillsboro School District, stated that all parents had received information about the survey through the ParentSquare communication system and via hard copy sent home with students. She noted that the school district received a signed opt-out form for Maxwell and that he did not participate in the survey. However, the father’s concerns have not been alleviated, and he continues to voice his opposition, urging other parents to take action. The incident has ignited a broader discussion about the boundaries of governmental intervention and the role of parents in shaping their children’s education and development. Gonzales’ criticisms highlight the growing divide over how to approach sensitive topics in educational settings, with some advocating for increased parental control and others emphasizing the importance of comprehensive education that includes discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. The controversy serves as a microcosm of a larger societal debate about the extent to which public institutions should engage with personal and ideological issues in the lives of children.