Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today voted to pass the Parents Bill of Rights. This bill ensures parents have their voices heard on school curriculum and requires school notifications so parents know what their children are being taught.

On several occasions, Rep. Molinaro also voted against significant Republican-led amendments – preventing them from being attached to the final bill. These amendments would have burdened schools with significant costs, interfered with state and local educational decisions, and established Congress’ support to suspend all major functions and programs provided by the U.S. Department of Education for K-12 education.

Rep. Molinaro said, “This bill originated from the simple idea that parents should have a say in their child’s education. I worked so this bill was reasonable, preserved protections for children, and included measures that ensure parents know what’s being taught in schools.”

Specifically, the Parents Bill of Rights:

• Requires schools to offer opportunities for at least two parent-teacher conferences per year.
• Requires schools to publish their curriculum and budgets.
• Requires schools to notify parents if their child is not grade proficient in reading by the end of third grade.
• Requires schools to notify parents of any violent activity at the school.
• Requires schools to notify parents if they intend to eliminate talented or gifted programs.
• Preserves the ability of students to freely express themselves in school.

Preserves existing state and local laws that require school employees to report to appropriate authorities any observed or suspected at-home abuse or neglect.