Kelly-backed 'Parents Bill of Rights' passes U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5, The Parents Bill of Rights, a comprehensive package of legislation backed by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) that increases budget and curriculum transparency and enhances parental input in public education.

Rep. Kelly is an original co-sponsor of the bill.

This bill clarifies that parents have a right to know what is happening in their child’s school and maintain the right to make decisions about their child’s education.

"This is a great day for parents and children," Rep. Kelly said. "The COVID-19 pandemic brought the classroom into our homes, and that gave parents a firsthand look at exactly what is being taught in our schools. The goal of this legislation is simple: it gives parents a more prominent voice and a seat at the table. As a parent of four children and having served on a school board myself before coming to Congress, I know just how important parental input can be. I encourage all parents to take a greater role in their child's education. I'm proud to support the Parental Bill of Rights."

BACKGROUND

The Parents Bill of Rights ensures five commonsense principles are met by our schools:

1. Parents have the right to know what's 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; and
5. Parents have the right to be updated on any violent activity at school.

Further, this is a critical piece of the House Republican Commitment to America because we know that parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and must have their voices restored. 

In 2021 and 2022, a “national state of emergency” was declared by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association in response to rising depression and anxiety in students during extended COVID-19 lockdowns and forced remote learning.