Kiki Fuchser is a concerned parent in the Akron, Ohio area whose daughter attends Tallmadge Elementary. Fuchser shared a video on social media on September 10 announcing she had received a permission slip from her daughter's school for her daughter to attend health class. Fuchser did research into the website the class would use, called Amaze.org.
She found the website has videos with explicit lessons for male and female sexual function, including how a person can commit individual sexual functions. Some explained gender identity and sexual orientation – topics she argues youngsters simply do not need to know.
In an interview with AFN, Fuchser explained that as a self-described "mama bear" she felt compelled to step in.
"I have a little child, and they don't need to learn about the in-depth aspects [of sexuality]. Honestly, these things can wait until they … are adults," she shares. "The basic anatomy is all children need to learn. We are over-sexualizing our children [and] I want to keep children innocent as long as possible – and that's not a bad thing to have children innocent and sheltered in life."
Fuchser explained that since she posted that first video, a lot has happened. She met with the principal, who had no idea of the extent of the content on the website and was willing to listen. She also met with the superintendent, the curriculum advisor, and the health teacher for the class.
It was during those meetings that she learned there was an "opt out" option available for parents – which wasn't explained on the permission slip she received for her daughter. According to Fuchser, the educators agreed to update the form, albeit hesitantly.
According to Fuchser, the school will now also clarify specifically which videos it will use from the website. Her goal, however, is to get Amaze out of the schools altogether. She started a petition that has about 150 signatures as of October 28.
She admits she is now far more conscientious of the content her daughter brings home and spends 15 to 20 minutes a day going over everything. "It is a lot of work on top of parenting … but it's worth it to protect our children."
Fuchser said she plans to run for school board in November 2025. She's a little nervous, but also excited. "I cannot wait," she says. "I'm getting everything started. I've got a year, but I'm on it."
