Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., during a press conference called for the government to stay out of topics regarding education. The conference was focused on the reintroduction of the “Parents Bill of Rights Act.”
In his speech, McCarthy referred to education as “the great equalizer” and claimed that regardless of your state, color, or financial status you can recognize the importance of education for your child.
The bill was introduced by GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., and was co-sponsored by 73 Republicans. McCarthy has now expressed his support for the bill and has claimed that it covers five important pillars, these include: “the right to know what’s being taught in the school”; for parents to be heard; “the right to see the school budgets”; “the right to protect your child’s privacy” and “right to be updated on any violent activity at the school.”
McCarthy added that parents needed to feel empowered and be aware that they have some control over their child’s education.
Stefanik also spoke during the event, stating that becoming a parent is a more “life-changing” event. She added that Congress is “proud” to be supporting families and kids across the nation. Stefanik joined the Education and Workforce Committee when she was first elected. In 2021 she became a mother after she welcomed her first child.
The “Parents Bill of Rights” has been preceded by several state bills that help provide parents with more rights regarding their children’s education.
