Republicans introduce ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ to force schools to publish lists of books they teach and post curriculums online to empower families after furious board meetings amid pandemic
- The bill follows a core pledge from the interim campaign to fight “waking” education trends such as critical race theory and gender theory
- It would require schools to provide a list of books available in their children’s library and make the curriculum public
- House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called it ‘landmark’ legislation, but Senate floor vote unlikely
House Republicans are introducing a five-part “Parents’ Bill of Rights” to underline the rights of families in their children’s education.
The bill follows a core pledge from the interim campaign to fight against “woke” education trends such as critical race theory and gender theory.
It would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require schools to provide a list of books available in their children’s library and publicly publish the curriculum.
House Republicans introduce five-pronged ‘parents statement’ to underline families’ rights in their children’s education
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, right, and GOP Conference Chairman Rep. Elise Stefank (R-NY) left, the legislation revealed this week
The legislation also emphasizes the right of parents to speak up at school board meetings and to be aware of violent activity in schools. It would require more transparency about school budgets and expenses.
It requires parental consent for school medical exams, including mental health or substance use screenings.
Parental rights have come to the forefront of Conservative politics since the closure of COVID schools. It was at the center of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s successful campaign against Democrat Terry McAuliffe in 2021.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled the legislation with 73 co-sponsors in addition to House GOP conference chair Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., who initially introduced the bill.
Concerned parents and activists joined the group on Capitol Hill to publicize the bill, along with House Education Committee chair Virginia Foxx, RN.C.
McCarthy called it “milestone” legislation, but it is unlikely to get a vote on the Senate floor.
Children pose with the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” sign at the unveiling of the legislation on Wednesday
Concerned parents and activists joined the group on Capitol Hill to publicize the bill, along with House Education Committee chair Virginia Foxx, RN.C.
The move was roundly condemned by Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association.
“Parents and voters agree that elected leaders should focus on providing individual support to students who need them, banning guns from schools and addressing teacher shortages. But unfortunately, McCarthy prefers to empower politicians who want to ban books and drive passionate educators out of the profession, rather than doing what’s right for our students and public schools. Students, parents and educators deserve better,” Pringle said.
The bill follows in the footsteps of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s “Parents Bill of Rights” legislation that banned discussing gender and sexual identity before fourth grade.
As of January 2021, 18 states have banned or restricted teachings about racism and sexism.
