NE Wyoming News

Congresswomen Harriet Hageman of Wyoming and Mary Miller of Illinois have introduced the Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act. The proposed legislation aims to enhance parental rights by providing clear information about their children's education and requiring direct consent for specific school activities.

Under current law, schools must annually notify parents about activities involving personal student information, sensitive surveys, or non-emergency physical examinations. However, many districts reportedly fail to comply. The new bill seeks to strengthen enforcement by mandating additional notifications and written parental consent at least two weeks prior to such activities.

Representative Hageman emphasized the importance of parental involvement in education, stating, “Parents have a fundamental right to be actively involved in their children’s education and privacy. Yet, too often, that right is undermined by school officials who exclude parents." She added that while most teachers are dedicated professionals, some push agendas that sideline families.

The legislation has received support from various groups. Parents Defending Education Action endorsed the bill, highlighting its role in ensuring timely notice and allowing parents to opt-out of certain surveys. "Rep. Hageman's Parental Oversight and Transparency Act puts much-needed teeth on the Pupil Protection Rights Amendment (PPRA)," they stated.

Meg Kilgannon from the Family Resource Council also praised the bill, saying it ensures full parental consent for health interventions delivered at schools. "Authority delegated by parents to a school for teaching a child should never be assumed to extend to matters of health and wellness," she noted.

Republicans emphasize that reinforcing parental rights remains a legislative priority as they push for greater educational transparency.