Jun 30 2016

Senators Reintroduce Parental Rights Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John McCain (R-Arizona), Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia), and Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) made these statements after reintroducing legislation that gives parents clear constitutional authority to direct the upbringing of their children.

The legislation makes the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing of their children a fundamental right by amending the Constitution. Importantly, the legislation clearly empowers parents to make decisions over the type of education their child receives. It also ensures that disabled parents’ rights are not infringed on account of their disability.

“The rights of parents are under assault from bureaucrats that think they know what’s best for someone else’s child,” said Senator Graham. “Parental rights do not and should not end at the schoolhouse door.”

“Eliminating parental input regarding public school decisions is a disaster for public schools”, said Graham. “The last thing we need to do is to alienate or destroy parental involvement in public education.”

“Contrary to the views of many federal bureaucrats in Washington, parents in Arizona and across this country know what’s best for their children” said Senator McCain. “This legislation is critical to ensuring the United States respects and upholds parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions regarding their families’ education and upbringing.”

“This amendment will give parents the certainty that their role in making some of the most important decisions in their child’s life such as their education will never be threatened or taken away by Washington bureaucrats,” said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate education committee.

“Every parent should be able to make the best choices for their children, including their care and education,” said Senator Blunt. “I’m proud to once again support this amendment to protect that right.”