How the DOE's Closing Could Strengthen the Family

 

The federal Department of Education’s closing may be a very good thing for your family that will bring the educational needs of your child to the local level to get the attention needed.  

The Executive Order signing at the White House last week signaled the beginning of a transformative new chapter in American education. This will empower parents and restore decision-making authority to state and local communities, reducing the influence of Washington bureaucrats over children’s education. Greater parental involvement will be encouraged to play a key role in improving academic outcomes.

Importantly, the steady decline in reading and math scores since the establishment of the U.S. Department of Education highlights a troubling reality—the federal government has fallen short of its mission to enhance student achievement.

This new direction offers hope for a brighter, more accountable future in education, and just might work to the restoration of the family to education, rather than reliance on government.

See the summary of this change from Moms for Liberty:

Trump Orders a Plan to Dismantle the Education Department While Keeping Some Core Functions

The Effect of Divorce on a Child’s Education

 

 

This guest post is courtesy of Ashley Ogden, Regent Law 2L:

Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging time of life for all parties involved, whether you are the one initiating the divorce or not. Even more so, divorce is particularly difficult for any children involved. The effect of divorce on children broadly impacts a child’s self-esteem, social skills, behavior, and mental health. Often overlooked, however, is the substantial negative impact divorce has on a child's educational development.

The sudden loss of the family unit resulting from divorce has a profound impact on a child's educational success. The family, after all, is a child's first and most influential learning environment before they graduate to the classroom. When divorce disrupts the equilibrium of the family, the resulting shock has a negative ripple effect on the child's educational journey. The emotional toll following the process of divorce indirectly affects a child's ability to maintain focus and motivation in school. Further, the stress and anxiety related to significant family dynamic changes can likely manifest in lower academic performance, decreased participation in school activities, and behavioral issues in the classroom. It is nearly impossible to hide the effects of divorce from children of any age, and this upheaval in the home can be extremely distracting, leading to irregular homework completion, difficulty concentrating on studies, and increased absenteeism. In some circumstances, children may need to abruptly switch schools, further disrupting their educational continuity which may reflect in subsequent poor academic performance and frustrated social relationships at school.

As previously mentioned, divorce is an emotionally and physically draining experience for all parties involved and while divorce can likely result in a child's decreased educational performance, it is important to remember that the school grounds can also serve as a blessing and source of stability and structure during this tumultuous time. While divorce presents an influx of inconsistencies and unknowns, the routine of school coupled with familiar teachers and friendships can provide a comforting sense of normalcy for children going through a divorce.

School’s Secret Gender Transition Wins Over Parental Rights to Know

 

A Florida middle school’s secret gender transition of a 13 year old has been upheld as against her parents' allegations of interference with parental direction of their child's upbringing.  

A federal appeals court has ruled against two Florida parents who allege a school district aided their child’s “secret” gender transition in a case highlighted by President Donald Trump in his address to Congress last week. A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, in Atlanta, ruled 2-1 on March 12 that January and Jeffrey Littlejohn could not prevail on their parental-rights claim under the 14th Amendment’s due-process clause because school officials’ actions did not “shock the conscience.”

The story of the Littlejohns and their child, who is female at birth and sought to transition at age 13 in 2020 at their Tallahassee, Fla., middle school, has been an important case, cited by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his successful effort to enact a law limiting what schools could teach and speak about sexual orientation and gender identity.

This ruling jeopardizes parents’ rights to protect their children while at school, and certainly works to deconstruct rather than restore families.

Families Fight Pornography on the Frontlines

 This guest post is from Benjamin Hands, Regent Law 3L:

Recently, states are passing laws requiring pornographic websites to verify the age of its visitors. The Supreme Court heard Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton on January 15, 2025, to decide what constitutional standard should be applied to these laws regulating pornography. When approaching this legal issue, it is important to keep in mind the holistic impacts of pornography on individuals and society. The proliferation of sin, confusion, and pain caused by pornography burdens our adolescents with a weight that is brought with them into all aspects of their lives. While free speech advocates want to ignore the pain pornography causes to so many Americans, the struggles of our fellow Americans follow them into their marriages, families, and society as a whole.

 The prevalence of pornography is often called an epidemic, and the harmful effects of pornography cannot be ignored. Studies show that pornography use causes depression, low self-esteem, decreased appetite, and poor mood. E.g., Haseeb Mehmood Qadri et al., Physiological, Psychosocial and Substance Abuse Effects of Pornography Addiction: A Narrative Review, Cureus (2023), https://www.cureus.com/articles/131357-physiological-psychosocial-and-substance-abuse-effects-of-pornography-addiction-a-narrative-review#!/. Indeed, pornography can be classed as an addiction as it has all the same hallmarks of substance addictions. E.g., id.; Matthew Fradd, The Porn Myth 24–25 (2017). Not to mention the spiritual harm pornography causes. Pornography encourages lust, therefore distancing from God those who watch and create pornography. Further, Jesus Christ calls us to love our spouses with our entire body and soul, but pornography teaches our adolescents that sex is about gratification, not marital love. Sex should be an important part of fostering a loving marital union designed to reflect God’s love for us and create life inspired by that love. But pornography instead takes love out of the equation.

Our families are on the frontlines of helping and dealing with those who are suffering from pornography addictions. Spouses are harmed by being objectified while children who watch pornography are harmed emotionally and physically, and they carry that pain with them when interacting with those around them. It is vital to heal families impacted by pornography addictions and reverse the effects of pornography on our country. America has a long history of decidedly treating obscenity as not protected by the Constitution. Pornography itself is inherently obscene. Therefore, legally pornography should not be held to a high constitutional standard and states should vigorously tackle pornography to heal the pain and confusion it has caused

A Christian Response to the Global Fertility Crisis

 Reprinted from the Regent University Center for Christian Thought & Action: A Christian Response to the Global Fertility Crisis - Center for Christian Thought & Action

The Guardian recently shared an interesting article: “The global fertility crisis: are fewer babies a good or a bad thing? Experts are divided.” Indeed, some think even something like climate change is so important that no one should bring children into the world because of it.  According to the Harvard Gazette, “Some activists and scholars adopt an ‘anti-natalist’ philosophy when thinking about the climate” citing “groups like the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement among those who believe that ending human reproduction is the kindest thing for the planet.”

The reality is that while the world population is slowly growing, the fertility rate of the United States continues to shrink. According to the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School researchers, replacement level for any population is a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.1, meaning an average of 2.1 children born to every 1000 women of child bearing age in any population will keep that demographic at a stable level for that population group.  Higher rates result in substantial population growth, and lower rates bring population demise.  The United States TFR in 2023 was 1.7.  This low TFR means that the U.S. population will dramatically shrink to irreplaceable levels in the next three generations. These levels have been in steady decline since 2007. America is very likely in demographic demise, and most certainly in population decline.

Population decline is a serious threat to many nations. Japan’s birth rate, for example, fell to a new record low of 1.2, and the UK birth rate is below the U.S. at 1.57. Population decline can have economic consequences, such as fewer workers contributing to the national economy, higher costs for pensions and health care, and pressure on public finances. It also affects education, culture, and politics. 

 

And incentives are altered when there is no influence of a Christian world view.  Dual Income couples with No Kids - or DINKs – are interested in financial stability, flexibility, and building wealth, rather than building a family. Millennials also present a paradox, as while they are not in a rush to marry, most unmarried Millennials say they would like to marry. Among unmarried  individuals, generally one child is the norm for those who choose to parent – again bringing down the TFR.

 

Simultaneously, the Biden administration has allowed nearly 8 million undocumented immigrants into America since 2021. Some argue that immigration is one way to prop up the economy, but it has also brought serious negative consequences, burdening federal government spending and state spending. Recently the city of Denver had to cut spending and reallocate funding for the illegal immigration crisis.  Immigration is clearly not the way to solve America’s declining population for this and a host of other reasons.

 

What should the Christian response to population demise be? Christians in the United States have more children on average than religiously unaffiliated people, as research reveals that Christian women have a TFR of 1.9 versus 1.6 for women that do not claim faith in Christ. But what does this really mean for one with a Christian worldview? Is there still a mandate to Christians to be fruitful and replenish the earth? Genesis 1:28 says “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’.”

God’s Word still matters to serious Christians today. While the church tends to operate at a macro level, considering member numbers, family numbers, and societal contributions, individuals operate on a micro level, considering the implications of having a large family in terms of economics, and their ability to care for many children.

While Christians can lead the way away from population demise, we can also agree that a wise response to family planning and the dominion mandate is not one of mindless reproduction. Rather, women, men and families all benefit from better work conditions in the 21^st century, remote working allowing for a family focus, and increased household income.  Indeed, the parenting team concept is critical to the health of the individuals in the family and the family itself.  So should a Christian family have more children because the TFR in American is too low? The quick answer is No, a Christian family should not have more children simply for the sake of raising America’s TFR, or just to have more children. Instead, Christians should have more children if they can do so responsibly to honor God, raising those children to love and serve Him for generations to come. 

What are the potential positive implications if Christians lead the way in reproduction and raising their children in the faith? Fertility rates can rise to healthy levels by transferring faith values intentionally to the next generation. A few more Christian families having 2 children rather than 1, or 3 children rather than 2, and raising them with a solid Christian worldview, can make a tremendous difference. That difference could happen through adoption as well – becoming a family for a child who needs one.

Love and natural affection are the roots of a solid family. Economists might call this parental altruism, but C.S. Lewis in his The Four Loves, refers to this family love – or storge – as the natural affection between parents and children, and siblings with each other. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity... for there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1, 4.

Christian couples understand that when their love for each other is manifested in a child it is a miracle from God. The blessing of children can never be overstated, and yes, it does fulfill the Genesis 1:28 mandate as God leads for each particular family. This is amazing love. And “whatever you do in word or deed do all to the glory of God.” Colossians 3:17. This advances family restoration.

Why Collaborative Divorce is more helpful to Family Restoration than Litigation

 

This guest post is from Regent Law 2 L Harrison Hunter:                  

         

Unfortunately, in today’s society, divorce occurs far too often. Divorce litigation can be extremely harmful to the relationship between the separating spouses and their relationships with their children. Fortunately, litigation is not the only process available to spouses when seeking a divorce.

One alternative is “collaborative family law.” Collaborative family law is a resolution process in which separating spouses agree that they will not seek litigation. Instead, the separating spouses agree to work together, in a collaborative manner, that is grounded in open communication and places the needs of their children first. Collaborative family law generally includes a family lawyer who will participate in the settlement negotiations.

Collaborative family law is generally more cost effective than traditional litigation, but more importantly it is much more civil. Separating spouses in collaborative family law determine their own outcomes and do not have to deal with the public exposure of the intricate details of each participant’s family and financial life.

Participants in collaborative family law also have an opportunity to work with specialists to support the settlement agreements. While there are a variety of types of specialists that participants of collaborative family law can utilize, arguably the most important of these is a family coach. Family coaches will work with participants in overcoming emotional and communication hurdles between separated spouses and their children which will help them resolve issues more effectively.

Collaborative family law helps avoid emotionally and financially taxing litigation while prioritizing the needs of the participant’s children. By focusing on communication and the needs of their children, participants in collaborative family law are well situated to rebuild the family dynamics and relationships with their children post-divorce.

3 Principles for IVF Parents

 

In light of yesterday’s Executive Order Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) parents who dream of having a child through IVF now have greater hope and access to those services.  As the Order states, “infertility struggles can make conception difficult, turning what should be a joyful experience into an emotional and financial struggle. My Administration recognizes the importance of family formation, and as a Nation, our public policy must make it easier for loving and longing mothers and fathers to have children.”

This is wonderful news, and yes, it should be easier, and better thought through by parents who choose to avail themselves of this miracle reproductive technology. 

Three very clear and necessary guiding principles must assist these very special parents: 1) parent all your created embryos, 2) protect all your created embryos, and 3) protect your marriage. Let’s call this the magic of three.

One: Parent all your created embryos.

First, in your excitement to embark on the road to parenthood, create only as many embryos as you are committed to parenting. They are your children, and you are responsible for them. State laws may or may not assist in this principle, but your first concern must be that the embryos you create are your responsibility as their parent. Only create as many as you are willing to parent. 

Two: Protect all your created embryos.

Second, never choose the options of “destruction, discarding, or experimentation” for your embryos.  These will be three of your five choices (the other two being gestation toward birth, and donation for adoption). Choosing destruction, discarding, or experimentation is choosing death for your child.  Your embryos are not just medical or scientific creations; they are your children. From the moment they come into existence, they are lives—unique, whole, and worthy of protection. Each embryo carries the same dignity as the child you long to hold in your arms. To treat them as excess, discardable, or experimental is to deny the truth of their Creator. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). From the beginning, God sees and knows each life. Your embryos are not mere potential—they are already known, loved, and entrusted to you as their parents. Indeed, every year more human children die from IVF than do from abortion. This is a tragic and largely ignored reality, yet no less true. Protect all your created embryos.

Three: Protect your marriage.

Third, guard your loving marriage.  Many couples who seek to build their families through IVF struggle through the arduous process, to the destruction of their sexual oneness and the emotional detriment of their marriage.  Don’t allow this to happen to you.  There is a plethora of cases where divorcing IVF parents litigate the fate of their embryos because their efforts to build their families have destroyed their marriages. Take care of your spouse, and guard your marriage. Your children need your strong marriage as the foundation for your family. Protect your marriage. 

These principles ought to be agreed upon by mother and father at the outset of the process, and directions given to involved physicians, counselors, and lawyers accordingly. Doing so in writing is an excellent safeguard for everyone – especially for your miracle IVF children. 

IVF parents, you are in charge of this process.  As the EO states, “infertility struggles can make conception difficult, turning what should be a joyful experience into an emotional and financial struggle.” Never allow your dreams to be hijacked by immoral choices of death for your embryos.  And never allow you, your spouse, or your children to become merely a commodity for the booming IVF industry. “You are not your own, therefore glorify God with your body,” (I Cor 6:20), protecting too the embryonic bodies of your children as their parents, parenting them from the outset, and protecting your marriage. Pursue IVF by the magic of these three guiding principles.

Is Funding Planned Parenthood a Tax-Payer Requirement?

 

This spring, the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh whether states can put their citizens’ health first and direct limited Medicaid resources to the most qualified healthcare providers in their states rather than to abortion facilities, such as Planned Parenthood.

On Dec. 18, the high court agreed to hear Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (formerly captioned Kerr v. Planned Parenthood), where, on behalf of the Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Alliance Defending Freedom is asking the court to protect South Carolina’s right to direct taxpayer dollars to qualified providers of life-affirming, comprehensive health care.

A pro-life family restoration focus challenges not only the ideology of Planned Parenthood, but its efficacy to protect the health of women. Abortion is not health care, and it does not restore families.