Press Releases

Today, Majority Whip Tom Emmer hosted a roundtable discussion on H.R. 5, Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s (R-La.) Parents Bill of Rights Act, which delivers on a core tenant of the House Republican Majority’s Commitment to America and upholds a parent’s right to be involved in his or her child’s education.

Whip Emmer was joined by Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Letlow, school board members, parent advocates, and representatives from coalition groups including Parents Defending Education, Independent Women’s Forum, Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America, Moms for Liberty, America First Legal, and Fight for Schools.

“As a father of seven, I know firsthand how important it is for parents to know what’s happening in their child’s classroom,” said Whip Emmer. “The Left believes concerned parents who speak out at school board meetings are ‘domestic terrorists,’ but that couldn’t be further from the truth. With the Parents Bill of Rights, House Republicans will ensure parents are the ultimate decision-makers in their child’s education and that they always have a seat at the table.”  

“One of the greatest blessings in life is to raise children – it’s a sacred responsibility that every parent takes immense pride in,” said Chairwoman Foxx. “But too many education bureaucrats want to cast these proud moms and dads aside. Not on our watch. Our Parents Bill of Rights will usher in a new era of accountability. The will of parents must always be respected.” 

“As the son of former teachers, I understand the critical role parents play in their child’s education,” said Chief Deputy Whip Reschenthaler. “Parents are not ‘domestic terrorists’ as the Left suggests; they are their children’s fiercest advocates. The success of our future generations depends upon their voices being heard.”

“The Parents Bill of Rights was built on conversations we have with concerned parents from across the country,” said Congresswoman Letlow. “I want to thank Majority Whip Tom Emmer for hosting this important conversation with partners as we work to pass this bill through the House.” 

Background:

Whip Emmer, along with over 100 House Republicans, are cosponsors of the Parents Bill of Rights Act. The legislation is centered around five principles:

1. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught.
2. Parents have the right to be heard.
3. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending.
4. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy.
5. Parents have the right to keep their children safe.

A fact sheet on the Parents Bill of Rights Act from the House Education and the Workforce Committee can be found here.

###