Republican lawmakers introduced a bill to protect parental rights in the upbringing, education, and health care of children.
The bill, called the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, is designed to “protect the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children as a fundamental right.” Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and James Lankford (R-OK), and Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) are behind the legislation.
“Parents have a fundamental right to control the upbringing of their child, whether it’s in the classroom or at home,” Scott said in a statement. “Yet, far too often, parents are being pushed out of their child’s lives, and kids are paying the price. I will always fight to put parents back in the driver’s seat and ensure they remain the lead decision maker in their child’s life.”
Foxx said that the bill will “shield parental rights while instituting a necessary, fundamental check against the government whenever it decides to enforce policies that fail to extend due deference to parental decision-making.”
“I’m immensely proud to introduce this legislation alongside Senator Scott to further safeguard the rights of parents,” she added.
The bill notes that the Supreme Court has “consistently recognized the primary role of parents in caring for children,” citing numerous cases.
“The strict scrutiny test used by courts to evaluate cases concerning fundamental rights is the correct standard of review for government actions that interfere with the right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and health care of their children, and it appropriately balances the interests of parents, children, and government,” it adds.
In 2023, former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona criticized parents who protested against school boards concerning curriculum taught in American schools. “I respect differences of opinion. I don’t have too much respect for people that are misbehaving in public and then acting as if they know what’s right for kids,” he said.
