The “Parents’ Bill of Rights” was signed into law by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, on January 8, 2025, with the aim of improving parental involvement and transparency in the state’s education system. The bill requires schools to notify parents about substantial changes to their child’s health care and educational content related to topics like sex, sexuality, and gender identity. It also grants parents the ability to opt their children out of some lessons. The legislation seeks to empower parents to make decisions that align with their values and beliefs regarding their children’s upbringing.
The Republican governor told reporters after signing a separate measure at the Statehouse that the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” is based on parents’ desire to be informed about their children’s lives, and Ohio wants to give them that option.
“They’re the first teachers, they’re the best teachers, and that’s very, very important,” he said.
Why was the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” passed?
Concerns about the growing influence of social and political topics in classrooms drove the movement for the Parents’ Bill of Rights. Supporters of the bill believe that schools should not teach sensitive topics without parental awareness. This includes issues related to sexual education, gender identity, and even certain health care decisions made by school staff on behalf of students.
The bill also addresses parents’ concerns about being isolated from their children’s educational experiences. With school districts adopting more varied curricula, some parents were concerned that their values and beliefs were not being taken into consideration when it came to what their children were learning.
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What Does the Bill Require?
The Parents’ Bill of Rights includes several key provisions aimed at increasing parental control and transparency in education:
- Parental Notification: Schools must notify parents about any changes to their child’s health care or lessons involving sensitive topics like sexuality or gender identity.
- Opt-Out Rights: Parents have the right to opt their children out of lessons related to sex, sexuality, or gender identity.
- Religious Instruction: Students can leave school during the day to attend religious instruction without penalty.
- Curriculum Transparency: Schools are required to make curricula accessible to parents for review.
