On March 1, House Republicans introduced the Parents Bill of Rights Act to ensure the rights of parents are honored and protected in public schools. The federal legislation, authored by Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.), comes as some states undertake similar efforts to protect parental rights and require curriculum transparency by public schools.

Amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), the Parents Bill of Rights Act states that parents have the right to know what occurs at their child’s school. Furthermore, it outlines that parents have the authority to make decisions about their child’s education.

The bill establishes five foundational parental rights in the context of their child’s school. They include the right to know what is being taught, to be heard, to see the school budget and spending, to protect their child’s privacy, and to be updated on any violent activity at schools.

Additionally, the bill states that parents have a right to a list of all books and reading materials, the right to review the curriculum, the right to meet with their child’s teachers not less than twice per year, and the right to address the school board.