Hageman Introduces Legislation to Reinforce Parental Rights in Education
Washington, DC – Congresswomen Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced the Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act to provide parents with clear and timely information about their children’s education and require direct parental consent for certain school activities.
Current law requires schools to notify parents annually about activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal student information, as well as surveys containing sensitive questions or non-emergency, invasive physical examinations, but many districts ignore these requirements. This bill enhances enforcement of existing law by requiring additional notification and written parental consent at least two weeks before a child participates in any such activities.
Representative Hageman stated, “Parents have a fundamental right to be actively involved in their children’s education and privacy. Yet, too often, that right is undermined by school officials who exclude parents. While most teachers are dedicated professionals, activist bureaucrats continue to push their leftist agendas on children and sideline families. This bill empowers parents to stay informed and engaged in decisions about their children’s education and personal data.”
"Rep. Hageman's Parental Oversight and Transparency Act puts much-needed teeth on the Pupil Protection Rights Amendment (PPRA). Schools too often forget to give parents proper notification about potentially invasive surveys given to their children during the school day. This bill ensures parents are provided with a timely notice and are given enough time to review materials before they are administered, allowing parents to opt their children out of intrusive or divisive surveys. Parents Defending Education Action is proud to endorse this bill." – Parents Defending Education Action
“We are grateful to Rep. Hageman and Rep. Miller for introducing the Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act,” said Meg Kilgannon, Senior Fellow for Education Studies at the Family Resource Council. “With more and more health interventions being delivered at schools, it’s vital that whether or not we support those interventions on the whole, every time they are delivered it is with full parental consent. Parents are the primary educators and guardians of their children. Authority delegated by parents to a school for teaching a child should never be assumed to extend to matters of health and wellness. This bill upholds and strengthens this basic truth by ensuring proper parental consent is obtained before their child is involved in activities such as non-emergency physical examinations and screenings.”
Republicans are committed to making parental rights a legislative priority and ensuring educational transparency remains at the forefront of legislative efforts.
Contact: Esteban Elizondo, Communications Director