Who is Parents Unite and
what do we stand for?
Our mission is to ensure that all schools promote a culture that values and prioritizes true diversity of thought, freedom of discourse, and self-expression.
Parents Unite began as a group of parents who care deeply about independent schools and are grateful to have been students, parents, volunteers, and Trustees. Collectively we have noticed a common culture shift in many school communities, independent and public alike. This movement was initiated by our desire to ensure our children's voices are valued, and that they are taught how to think critically and engage in civil discourse. We are all deeply committed to the independent school community in New England, and we all desire to see the work of Parents Unite impact students and families. It is vital to empower parents to use the tools of accreditation and governance to “encourage” education excellence, not indoctrination.
Launch letter
In an effort to make our voices heard, Parents Unite began advocating for viewpoint diversity by corresponding with local and national accrediting agencies — including AISNE (The Association of Independent Schools in New England), NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), and ICAISA (International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation).
Accreditors play an integral, overarching role in helping schools uphold their missions and create strategic plans for growth. As a result, they hold the power to influence school culture by providing professional development, conferences, speakers, and other valuable resources to their member schools.​ We are asking AISNE and NEASC to uphold the core standards mission (set by ICAISA) by taking a principled stand in favor of free speech and to encourage diversity of thought.
May 11, 2021
May 14, 2021
May 21, 2021
June 7, 2021
Leadership team
Executive Director
Ashley Jacobs
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Advisory Board
Alli Achtmeyer
Jean Egan
Beth Feeley Senior Advisor 1776 Unites & President New Trier Neighbors
David Keating President, Institute for Free Speech
Bonnie Snyder, E.Ed. TERRA FIRMA Teaching Alliance