House Republicans offer Parents Bill of Rights Act

U.S. House Republican leaders on March 1 joined dozens of their GOP colleagues in introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act to ensure the rights of parents are honored and protected in the nation’s public schools.

H.R. 5, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA), has 72 original cosponsors, including U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), U.S. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), and U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN).

“For nearly two years, frustrated parents across this country have been trying to voice their concerns and often found themselves denied at nearly every turn,” said Reps. McCarthy, Scalise, Emmer, and two other Republican leaders in a joint statement. 

“House Republicans promised the American people that passing the Parents Bill of Rights would be one of our top priorities,” they said. “We look forward to working with Congresswoman Letlow to ensure that we pass this legislation in the first 100 days of the 118th Congress.”

In his own statement, Rep. Emmer said it should not be up for debate that parents are the ultimate decision-makers regarding their child’s education.

“This Republican House majority is fighting for parental rights and transparency in the classroom, and we are pleased to stand with Representative Letlow in this effort to prioritize education over indoctrination,” said Rep. Emmer.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), who on March 3 signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 5, said that parents have a fundamental right to be involved in their children’s education.

“Decisions about what to teach our kids are too often left to bureaucrats and teachers unions without any input from the most important stakeholders — parents and their children,” Rep. Feenstra said. “As a father of four, I am proud to introduce the Parents Bill of Rights Act to ensure that every child can chase their dreams.”

According to a summary provided by H.R. 5 sponsor Letlow’s staff, the Parents Bill of Rights Act is centered around five 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 educators to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Rep. Letlow said. “Those who want to shut parents out completely ignore the fact that these are our children, not the government’s.”