Educators in Brunswick County react to North Carolina Senate Bill 49

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Teachers across the state are implementing new policies after the passing of Senate Bill 49 or the so-called “Parents Bill of Rights.”   

WWAY spoke with Brunswick County Schools on Tuesday to see what this means in the classroom and at home. 

“I would say 80% of it was stuff that we were already doing, it just was not codified in law,” Brunswick County Schools Superintendent Dale Cole said. “It was in our policies and procedures and then the law required it to be done and reported in a certain way.” 

S.B. 49 went into effect on December 1 and requires teachers to publish lesson plans online for parents or legal guardians to view.    

The bill also requires teachers to notify the legal guardian if a student asks to be called by a nickname or use pronouns different than what is on their birth certificate.  

Supporters say the bill holds teachers accountable for communicating with parents, while critics say it could put LGBTQ+ students at risk at home.  

Superintendent Dale Cole said he understands the concern.  

“You know students have always, children have always explored new things as they grew up and that may not be accepted at home and that could cause possibly violence at home and that’s what they’re afraid of,” Cole said. 

He said the change adds a new layer of responsibility for teachers.  

North Brunswick High School teacher Grant Savage shared the changes the bill is making in the classroom.  

“So, at first the kids were really confused. Especially if, for example, if someone’s name is Thomas and they want to go by Tom, we now have to have them sign this form and have their parents sign it as well,” Savage said. “So, kids do think it’s a little silly.”  

Savage is worried about the effect that the bill will have on the wellbeing of students.  

“We obviously want to abide by all procedures and policies in place, but at the end of the day school is a place for kids to come and feel safe and not overwhelmed and, you know, they’re still finding out about themselves,” Savage said. “So, I think there are some pros and cons to it.” 

Superintendent Dale Cole said Brunswick County Schools are continuing to update policies and expect to be completed next month.