Bill would establish parent ‘bill of rights’ within Virginia’s public schools
Jan 21, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A bill is looking to establish a "parents' bill of rights" in all of Virginia's public schools, which would grant parents the right to review all books, curricula and instructional materials, among other privileges.
House Bill 2373, introduced by Del. Geary Higgins (R-Loudoun County), would amend the Code of Virginia's title on Education to include a 10-point list of school-related rights for parents. These terms would apply to all of Virginia's K-12 public schools.
Those proposed rights, as listed within the bill's text, are as follows:
"[Parents can] Review any books, curricula or instructional materials being taught or made available to their child."
"Opt their child out of any sexually explicit instructional material or assignments."
"Know who is instructing their child, including any outside presenters or lecturers."
"Visit their child's school during school hours to meet with, or to schedule a meeting with, a school representative."
"Review all records created or held by the school about their child."
"Receive information regarding the collection and transmission of their child's data and opt out of any data collection without penalty to their child."
"Be notified of, review ahead of time and opt their child out of any surveys offered to them by any school representative."
"Be notified of any situation that directly affects their child's safety at school."
"Be made aware of any counseling services that their child is receiving while at school."
"Make all medical decisions for their child."
As of the time of reporting, this bill is awaiting the review of the House of Delegates' Committee on Education.
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The "parents' rights movement" has existed since the 1950s, according to the Associated Press. While its ideals cover many facets of public education, it is often brought up when discussing anti-transgender policies.