Republicans introduce ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ to force schools to post list of books they teach and post curriculum online to ’empower’ families after furious board meetings during pandemic
- The bill follows a core midterm campaign promise to combat “woke” educational trends like critical race theory and gender theory
- This would require schools to provide a list of books available in their children’s library and publicly post the schedule
- McCarthy called it ‘milestone’ legislation, but it’s unlikely to come to a vote in the Senate
House Republicans are introducing a five-part “parents’ bill of rights” to emphasize the rights of families in raising their children.
The bill follows a core midterm campaign promise to combat “woke” educational trends like critical race theory and gender theory.
It would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 1965 to require schools to provide a list of books available in their children’s library and to publish the curriculum publicly.
The legislation also emphasizes the right of parents to have their voices heard at school board meetings and to be aware of violent activity in schools. This would require more transparency on school budgets and expenditures.
It requires parental consent before medical examinations at school, including “screenings for mental health or substance abuse disorders”.
House Republicans introduce five-part ‘parents’ bill of rights’ to highlight rights of families in raising their children
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, right, and GOP Conference Chairwoman Representative Elise Stefank, left, unveiled the bill this week
Parental rights have moved to the forefront of Conservative politics since schools were closed by Covid-19. He was central to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s successful campaign against Democrat Terry McAuliffe in 2021.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled the bill, which has 73 co-sponsors, alongside House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., who has originally introduced the bill.
Concerned parents and activists joined the group on Capitol Hill to highlight the bill, along with House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, RN.C.
McCarthy called it “milestone” legislation, but it is unlikely to see a vote in the Senate.
Children pose with the ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ sign during the unveiling of legislation on Wednesday
Concerned parents and activists joined the group on Capitol Hill to highlight the bill, along with House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, RN.C.
The measure was strongly condemned by the president of the National Education Association, Becky Pringle.
“Parents and voters agree that elected leaders should work to give students the one-on-one support they need, keep guns out of schools, and address educator shortages. But sadly, McCarthy would rather empower politicians who want to ban books and drive passionate educators out of the profession, instead of doing what’s right for our students and our public schools. Students, parents and educators deserve better,’ Pringle said in a statement.
The bill follows in the footsteps of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Bill of Parental Rights Act, which banned talking about gender and sexual identity before fourth grade.
As of January 2021, 18 states have imposed bans or restrictions on teachings about racism and sexism.
