INDIANAPOLIS — Parents are sounding off about their concerns with education on a new portal launched by the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
It is called "Eyes on Education" and the goal is to give parents a safe space to voice concerns about what is being taught in schools.
Attorney General Todd Rokita's office says the site was launched to empower parents and provide transparency by giving them a space to see and share concerns with the curriculum or policies.
Once submitted, the Office of the Attorney General plans to investigate the complaint to determine if there is a violation of Indiana law.
However, educators are concerned that the tips shared on the platform may not be legitimate and that it will create a divide between parents and teachers.
The content surrounds topics concerning race, sex, and the LGBTQ community.
13News contacted several districts at the center of complaints filed through the site. A representative from Brownsburg Community School Corporation said the district has challenged two of the complaints submitted.
They claim a document cited from the 2022-2023 school year contains some accurate information, but it is not the complete document. Another document posted is not from the district. As of Wednesday afternoon, the district had not been contact by the attorney general's office regarding the complaints.
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Superintendent of Clark-Pleasant Community Schools Tim Edsell also cited incorrect information about a gender support plan.
In an e-mail to the attorney general's office, Edsell said, "the hyperlink that shows the respective board policy is outdated, retired, and no longer exists here at CPCSC!"
The e-mail goes on to say, "I am disappointed in the release of this incorrect information and the fact that no one from the Attorney General's office reached out to me to verify this information."
A spokesperson for the district said the attorney general's office has since responded saying they will take down the inaccurate information.
Carmel Clay Schools officials said they weren't notified about the portal or asked to confirm the validity of the information shared.
The district released the following statement:
"Carmel Clay Schools was not previously notified regarding the Attorney General's new website or asked to confirm the validity of submitted screenshots. Multiple documents clearly originated from a now-defunct outside special interest group, and others appear to be online quizzes with no additional context provided. As a tool for purported transparency, it is irresponsible to portray these screenshots as curriculum, as CCS follows the Indiana State Standards.
While the state is facing an unprecedented teacher shortage, we hope all governing agencies will continue to support the teaching profession and create a positive and welcoming environment for current and future Indiana educators."
Keith Gambilll, the president of the Indiana State Teacher's association was not available for comment, but called the website "divisive."
Gambill issued the following statement:
"As the president of ISTA, I want to address the recent actions of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. His decision to launch a website targeting our public schools is nothing but a transparent attempt to create division among parents and educators. Therefore, we're calling for the immediate removal of this site.
While he's busy with his online endeavors, let's not forget who's truly dedicated to the vital task of ensuring our children receive the support they need for success: the hardworking parents and educators on the front lines every day. It's time to end these divisive tactics and commit to helping all students succeed."
The attorney general's office did not respond to a 13News request for comment.