On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act to protect parental rights and prevent school administrators from concealing information about students’ gender from their parents.
“Far too often, parents are pushed out of their child’s education—and kids are paying the price. As the party of parents, Republicans are committed to ensuring that parents are always in the driver’s seat when it comes to their child’s upbringing,” said Sen. Scott. “I am proud to stand for parental rights and put forth my PROTECT Kids Act to ensure parents remain the lead decision maker in their child’s life.”
“Schools should not be withholding information about students from parents,” said Rep. Walberg. “Parents need to have a seat at the table for every discussion related to their children and we need to demand full transparency. This bill would safeguard parental rights by requiring parental consent and will help mitigate under-the-radar activism in our schools. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Scott, as we work to defend the rights of parents by enshrining this legislation into law.”
The PROTECT Kids Act would restrict federal funding for any elementary or middle school that allows students to change their pronouns, gender markers, or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms and bathrooms, without the consent of their parents. The bill is supported by Parents Defending Education Action and Independent Women’s Voice.
U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (MI-05) will be introducing the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R- S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined Sen. Scott as cosponsors.
Read full text of the bill here.
Read more about the bill from the Washington Examiner.
