Jacobs cosponsors Parents Bill of Rights Act for their children’s education

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored the Parents of Bill of Rights Act to codify the rights each parent has to be involved in their child’s education.

“As a former school board member and career-long advocate for quality education, I understand the inherent need for parents to be involved in their child’s education,” Jacobs said. “Parents have the right to know what is being taught in the classroom, they have the right to question what is being taught, and they have the right to raise concerns when they feel inappropriate or inaccurate materials are being taught.”

The Parents Bill of Rights Act codifies five essential rights each parent has:

• The right to know what’s being taught.
• The right to be heard.
• The right to see the school budget and spending.
• The right to protect their child’s privacy.
• The right to be updated on any violent activity at school.

To accomplish this, the Parents Bill of Rights Act makes changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, creates new protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and updates and clarifies provisions in the Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA).

“A year of online learning exposed parents to the content being taught in their children’s classrooms, and many parents rightfully raised concerns,” Jacobs said. “Parents, first and foremost, are the primary party engaged with the emotional, developmental, and social well-being of their children. As such, they have every right to know what is being taught in the classroom, and they deserve to have transparent school administrations. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and I will continue to fight for parents, students, and quality education.”