In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Ann Brensley, candidate for Lieutenant Governor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Adrienne Simeone, founder of the Mama Bear Effect nonprofit and a mother of four. Ann Brensley is recognized for her focus on parental involvement and educational policy reform, emphasizing the importance of family values in governance. Adrienne Simeone, an advocate for children’s safety and parental rights, leads the Mama Bear Effect and works to expose issues affecting children in schools, drawing from personal experience and her research into child protection and sexual abuse prevention.

Jennifer, Ann, and Adrienne engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the controversial surveys and curriculum introduced to Massachusetts public school students, with explicit questions on gender identity and sexuality. They address parental rights, transparency in education, and the role of schools in students’ personal development. The episode explores the growing concern about inappropriate content and lack of parental opt-in, how mental health issues in youth are addressed, and the importance of moral courage among parents advocating for their children’s safety. Controversial comments include critiques of sex education materials, frustration with limited parental control, and comparisons of certain school survey practices to child abuse. The conversation ends with actionable advice for parents and candidates seeking to effect change in their communities and legislative systems.

"It teeters to me on not only outrageous and unbelievable and disgusting, but it teeters on almost child porn and child abuse. To ask a child those questions."  ~Jennifer Nassour

This week on Political Contessa:

• Parental involvement and transparency in school curricula
• State-mandated surveys with explicit sexual questions for minors
• Opt-in versus opt-out legislation for sensitive school topics
• Concerns about the normalization of gender and sexuality topics in schools
• Impact of mental health issues on adolescent identity
• Empowering parents to speak up at school committees and run for office
• The role of social media and information access in shaping youth behaviors
• Strategies for parents to communicate and advocate within their communities

Connect with Anne Brensley:

Anne Brensley for Lieutenant Governor

Connect with Adrienne Simeone:

Mama Bear Effect Website

Mama Bear Effect on Facebook and Instagram

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