95: Opt Out & Speak Up: The Battle for Parents, Kids, and Truth in California

In Episode 95 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt unpack two major developments impacting families, faith, and freedom in California.

First, they highlight a powerful new webinar designed for parents and teachers, featuring legal experts from organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Pacific Justice Institute, and National Center for Law and Policy. The discussion centers on recent Supreme Court decisions—especially Mahmoud v. Taylor—that expand parental rights in education. Listeners will learn how families can exercise opt-out rights from controversial curriculum and how teachers can navigate growing pressure in the classroom.

Then, the episode turns to a heated California Senate hearing on SB 934, introduced by Scott Wiener. Sophia and Greg break down the bill’s implications, including concerns about free speech, counseling practices, and potential legal risks for professionals. Featuring clips and commentary from the committee hearing, they explore the broader cultural and legal tensions shaping policy in California—and what’s at stake moving forward.

Links:

Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh

Parental rights resource: https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html

Watch ADF Chiles V salazar explanation here: https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH

Watch Full SB 934 hearing here: https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9