To assume that the child belongs first and foremost to the state and that the state therefore has the first right and duty to decide how the child will be educated is, in fact, totalitarianism. From history, we know what the consequences of totalitarianism are. We should not tolerate totalitarianism in our day and age, in our country, our province, or anywhere else. A child is entrusted to his or her parents. Every child attending public school has a right to an education based on respect for the primacy of the parents' role.
Parents have a right to expect public schools to protect their values.
School boards have a right to render this protection. The school, and ultimately the state, have the duty not to undermine the legitimate authority and responsibility of parents. Undermining the rights of parents will only result in the exploitation of children. When it comes to children, the state does not know best.