Adopted in August 2025
California State PTA believes that an effective and equitable public education system is vital to a thriving democracy and also depends on the proper functioning of that democracy. Together, public education and democracy have shaped our country into a place where children, youth, and families can thrive.
To preserve and protect our democracy, elected officials, government agencies, and the public must understand, honor, and uphold the established principles embedded in the U.S. Constitution. Those principles include the balance of power, legal protections of human rights, voting rights, and adherence to truth and integrity.
The same principles have guided PTAs’ actions since 1897. They continue to underscore our patriotic commitment to the people and institutions of this country and to guide our advocacy decisions.
Balance of power
California State PTA believes in the principles of government that guided the creation of the United States. To retain its legitimacy, our governance system must include checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Citizens must maintain and exercise the right to vote for those who govern them. The officials they elect should be directly responsible and accountable to their constituents. Elected officials, state agencies, and local governing boards should actively seek citizen input in the decision-making process.
Legal protections of human rights
“Every Child, One Voice” captures the essence of PTA and our work at the local, state, and national levels.
We organize events, support families, work to strengthen schools, advocate for legislation, and speak out against injustice because every child matters. Regardless of their background, their abilities, or their identity, all children and youth deserve to have their needs met and their rights protected.
California State PTA believes that today we need to speak out to explicitly protect the fundamental rights guaranteed in the United States Constitution that we have previously collectively taken for granted. Those constitutional rights, which extend to both young people and adults, and both citizens and immigrants, include:
- freedom of speech and peaceful assembly,
- freedom to petition the government,
- freedom of worship,
- due process when accused of a crime,
- the right to a fair trial (including legal counsel if accused of a crime),
- freedom from unreasonable search and seizure,
- the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and
- the right to equal protection under the law
In addition, the California Constitution guarantees a free public education and has strict provisions against the use of public money to support religious schools. It also provides that no religious doctrine can be taught in public schools.
Voting rights and election integrity
California State PTA unequivocally supports voting rights. We believe that the right to vote is a foundation of American democracy and our representative form of government. Our votes play a critical role in determining how our elected officials decide the public policy issues we care about. The right to vote, to cast an informed vote, and have that vote counted is fundamental to the work we do as PTA. It must be protected for all citizens.
Further, research shows that public schools are instrumental in teaching about civic participation, including the all-important role that voting and elections play in upholding the constitutional order. California State PTA is committed to making civic learning a high priority. We work to strengthen the emphasis on the principles and practices of democracy, including effective implementation of civic education standards and increased collaboration between schools and communities to promote the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship.
An adherence to truth and integrity
California State PTA must help students, families, teachers, and community members develop the knowledge to act as effective, responsible citizens amid growing challenges.
Working with our national organization, California State PTA believes informed democratic participants must learn to distinguish between misinformation, disinformation, and unbiased, verified information. These critical thinking skills are essential for navigating today’s digital media landscape. We must prioritize helping all students become responsible, ethical digital citizens who can navigate technology with integrity.
California State PTA believes today’s families—both young people and adults—must develop skills to discern truth and demand integrity from elected leaders. Our democracy, quality of life, and children’s futures depend on it.
