U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) on Jan. 20 sponsored a resolution that would designate a week in January as National School Choice Week, a companion resolution to one introduced by U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mitt Romney (R-UT).
“Parents are looking for schools that provide the environment and curriculum that is best for their children,” said Rep. Moolenaar, co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus. “The last two years in particular have shown how important it is for parents to be involved in their children’s education, and I am proud to stand with them in supporting the rights of parents and school choice for America’s students.”
Rep. Moolenaar introduced House Resolution (H.Res.) 882 with 17 GOP original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI).
“The pandemic has highlighted the challenges many families face when seeking a quality education for their children,” said Sen. Scott, co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus. “The facts are simple: If we want to give children a greater chance in life, we must give parents a greater choice in education. A child’s destiny shouldn’t be determined by their zip code.”
If enacted, the resolution would state that students, parents, teachers, and school leaders from kindergarten through grade 12 education environments of all varieties should be congratulated for their persistence, achievements, dedication, and contributions to society in the United States, according to the text of the resolution.
The measure also would encourage parents during National School Choice Week to learn more about the education options available to them and encourage Americans to hold appropriate programs, events and activities during National School Choice Week to raise public awareness of the benefits of opportunity in education, according to the resolution’s text.
“Throughout the course of the pandemic, families have had the added challenge of navigating school closures and balancing hybrid or completely virtual instruction, which has only highlighted the essential role of parents in their children’s education,” Sen. Romney said on Jan. 24. “Parents know what is best for their kids, and every family should have the freedom to choose the model of education which best meets the needs of their children — whether that is public, homeschool or otherwise.”