Should Congress give parents more power to control what is taught in classrooms?
This bill would give parents the right to inspect books and reading materials of school libraries, review the curriculum of their child’s schools, meet with teachers of their children at least twice a year, receive information regarding violent activity in schools, and review the budget and expenditures of their children’s schools. Schools would also be required to obtain parental consent before changing a child’s gender pronouns or markers. Family educational and privacy rights are also protected under the bill as schools are prohibited from selling student information.
Sponsor: Julia Letlow (Republican, Louisiana, District 5)
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How do you feel?
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Opponents say
• "The Parents Bill of Rights Act ignores the reality of what is happening in schools every day. In fact, 80 percent of parents with children in public K-12 schools said in a recent Gallup poll they were satisfied with their children’s education. They appreciate that educators are striving to connect with their children—students who have a variety of gifts and challenges. Instead of building on this trust, the legislation would undercut it by stoking racial and social animosity. Instead of bringing us together to focus on what will really help students—an inspiring, inclusive, and age-appropriate curriculum that prepares them for the future in schools that are safe from gun violence—this approach encourages parents to view educators as the enemy. This us-versus-them mindset hurts students, disregards educators’ professionalism, and diverts our attention from a basic American value: All students—no matter their race, ZIP Code, or background—deserve the support, tools, and opportunity to learn and succeed." Source: National Education Association
Proponents say
• "The legislation is built on five, common-sense principles. 1. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught. 2. Parents have the right to be heard. 3. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending. 4. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. 5. Parents have the right to keep their children safe. As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for a child to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process." Source: Julia Letlow (Republican, Louisiana, District 5)
• "I commend Congresswoman Letlow’s leadership in recognizing the parent’s importance in their child’s education. Children belong to their parents and it's essential to codify these undeniable rights." Source: Dr. Cade Brumley (Louisiana State Superintendent of Education)
- Letlow Reintroduces Parents Bill of Rights (Press Release)
- H.R. 5 Parents Bill of Rights Act (CBO)
- House Republicans introduce "Parents Bill of Rights" aimed at oversight in education (CNN)
- Teachers Say a New Parents’ Bill of Rights Doesn’t Solve School Problems (Education Week)
- The dueling parents’ rights proposals in Congress: What the evidence says about family-school collaboration (Brookings)
