Across Washington, a controversial policy allows students as young as 13 to leave school for confidential services without parental notification. This raises significant concerns about student safety and accountability.

Empowering Parents: The Urgent Need for Transparency in School Policies

In Washington’s educational landscape, a little-known policy has emerged, permitting students aged 13 and older to excuse themselves from school for various confidential services. These services encompass mental health treatment, drug and alcohol counseling, STD testing, and even medical procedures. Astonishingly, all it takes is a self-written note. Teachers accept this note, and the absence is excused without further verification or communication with parents. This policy, known as Procedure 3122P, has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, educators, and parents alike.

The Evolution of Student Privacy Policies

Public schools have long been entrusted with the responsibility of acting in loco parentis — essentially stepping into the role of parents during school hours. Historically, policies were designed to safeguard students while providing necessary support and care. However, the implementation of Procedure 3122P has shifted this paradigm. Instead of ensuring student safety, it creates a legal loophole that isolates teens from their families. Consider the implications: a teenager can leave school unsupervised for treatments ranging from psychiatric evaluations to gender-affirming interventions. There is no requirement for adult supervision, no check-ins to ensure they are safe, and no obligation to inform parents. This policy undermines the foundational trust between schools and families, raising serious questions about liability and accountability.

Expanding Mental Health Services: A Double-Edged Sword

Mental health laws have evolved over time, expanding beyond traditional talk therapy and addiction support. Today, “mental health treatment” includes psychiatric medications, hormone therapies, and potentially irreversible medical procedures. While these services aim to help struggling teens, the lack of parental involvement can lead to hasty decisions that may have lifelong consequences. For decades, mental health legislation was crafted to assist vulnerable youth. Now, it risks becoming a system that fast-tracks life-altering choices without adequate oversight. Parents, who are best positioned to understand their children’s needs, are being sidelined. This shift not only compromises student welfare but also contravenes the principles of informed consent and family integrity.

Parental Rights Under Siege

The adoption of Procedure 3122P comes at a time when parents across Washington are fighting for greater transparency and involvement in their children’s education and healthcare. The Parental Bill of Rights Initiative, which recently garnered overwhelming voter support, underscores the public’s desire for a more collaborative approach. Yet, behind closed doors, school administrators are pushing policies that erode these hard-won rights.This isn’t merely about protecting kids; it’s about dismantling parental authority. Many school boards have already embraced this policy, while others face pressure to follow suit. Parents must remain vigilant. By reviewing their district’s policies, they can advocate for changes that prioritize both student safety and family unity. The time to act is now—before more loopholes undermine the very foundations of child welfare.

Beyond the Classroom: Accountability and Liability

If a student leaves school under this policy and encounters harm, who bears the responsibility? If a predator exploits a vulnerable teen’s unsupervised departure, who answers for it? If a child undergoes a procedure they don’t fully comprehend, who takes ownership of the outcome? Disturbingly, the answer is often no one. Schools have a duty to protect students while they are under their care. Procedure 3122P, however, creates a dangerous vacuum where accountability is absent. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to close these gaps and ensure that every child receives the support and protection they deserve. The stakes are too high to ignore.