Nassau County, FL – On November 21st, a Florida Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of Nassau County Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF), mandating that parents and concerned citizens gain full access to the Ripple Effects Mental Health Curriculum being used in local schools. Nassau County CDF filed the lawsuit in February after the Nassau County School District (NCSD) and the vendor, Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare (SPBH), denied access to the curriculum despite multiple requests.
CDF’s efforts began in August 2023 after a leaked recorded conversation between an SPBH counselor and a minor at a Pride festival. The conversation raised concerns about SPBH counselors withholding minor sexual concerns from their parents. Subsequent investigation uncovered explicit content in the Ripple Effects curriculum, including topics like date rape, incest, and masturbation. This led to a legal battle to ensure transparency, protection of minors, and championing parental rights.
“This ruling is a huge win for Nassau County residents and transparency in education,” said Jack Knocke, Nassau County CDF Executive Director. “This victory sets a precedent for public access to curriculum within our schools.”
James H.K. Bruner, Esq., CDF’s attorney on this case, emphasized that this case highlights the need for transparency in schools as we shift into a more digital age: “Parents deserve access to the materials their children are exposed to. This decision ensures they will no longer be kept in the dark.”
The judge has ordered NCSD and SPBH to grant access to the Ripple Effects Program as soon as possible and no later than December 20, 2024.
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.