One could be forgiven for thinking Terry McAuliffe has it out for parents who wish to be involved in their children’s education.

During Tuesday’s debate, McAuliffe told the crowd “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” He doubled down on Wednesday, saying during an interview that parents should have no say in the curriculum taught to their children in public schools.

House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement:

“Our children are not the property of the state. They are our most precious assets, and we trust our public school system to be partners with us as parents to ensure that they get the education they need to have a successful future.”

“But parents are more than partners — we hold the ultimate responsibility for our children’s education. If not for parental involvement, Democratic plans to end advanced math in our high schools would have gone unnoticed, and their plan to end advanced diplomas would have passed under the radar.

“Terry McAuliffe has made it clear that, on his watch, parents are not welcome in public education. House Democrats need to tell the voters if they stand with Terry McAuliffe, or if they stand with parents who want the best possible education for their children. There’s no middle ground. Silence will speak volumes.”