Ohio Passes ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ Bill

Children raising hands in classroom.
Rear view of kids raising hands while teacher explaining the functioning of human skeleton in classroom at school

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs a groundbreaking “Parents’ Bill of Rights” into law, bolstering parental involvement in education and sparking debate on student privacy.

At a Glance

  • New Ohio law requires schools to inform parents about changes in their child’s behavior, including gender identity requests
  • Parental consent now mandatory for lessons on sexual or controversial topics
  • Law allows students to leave school for religious instruction
  • Critics label it as Ohio’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ student safety

Ohio Empowers Parents with New Education Law

Ohio has taken a bold step in education reform with Governor Mike DeWine signing the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” into law. This legislation significantly enhances parental rights and involvement in their children’s education, marking a shift towards greater transparency between schools and families.

The new law mandates that teachers and school officials inform parents about any changes in their child’s behavior, including regarding gender identity requests. It also requires parental consent for school lessons on sexual or controversial topics, including gender education.

Key Provisions of the Law

Under the new legislation, parental consent is now required for school lessons on sexual or controversial topics, including gender education. The law also allows students to leave school for religious instruction, provided it does not interfere with core curriculum time. These changes aim to give parents more control over their children’s educational experiences and exposure to sensitive topics.

“Parents know and love their children best, which is why they are best suited to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, education, and care. Thankfully, HB 8 rightfully recognizes this truth as a fundamental right,” said Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp following DeWine’s signing of the bill. “This critical legislation safeguards children from secret social transition by ensuring school officials do not hide crucial information from parents about their child’s mental health and well-being. It increases parental involvement in their child’s education by letting parents opt their child out of objectionable sexual content.”

The law also requires schools to list all healthcare provided and allow parents to opt-out, except in emergencies or for students with disability care plans. This provision aims to give parents greater oversight of their children’s health-related matters within the school environment.

Support and Opposition

The Center for Christian Virtue has praised the law for giving parents more control over decisions related to health care, sexuality discussions, and religious programs. Supporters argue that the legislation rightfully recognizes parents as the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives.

“Whether it’s a decision about health care, a decision about when a child has a discussion about sexuality, or a decision over whether a child can access a religious released time program like LifeWise Academy, HB 8 puts parents back in control,” said CCV President Aaron Baer.

However, the bill has faced criticism from education groups and LGBTQ+ advocates. Some opponents have labeled it as “Ohio’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill,” expressing concerns about its potential impact on LGBTQ+ students and the confidentiality of youth struggling with identity issues.

Implications and Future Considerations

As Ohio school districts prepare to draft and implement new policies in line with the law, the debate surrounding parental rights in education continues. The legislation has sparked discussions about the balance between parental involvement, student privacy, and the role of schools in addressing sensitive topics.

As similar parental rights bills are being considered in other states, Ohio’s experience with this new law may serve as a model or cautionary tale for future legislation. The implementation and impact of the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” will likely be closely watched by educators, parents, and policymakers across the country.