Pray the ‘Parents Opt-in Protection Act’ Becomes Law

Should school officials in America be permitted to ask students personal questions about intimate matters without first receiving permission from their parents?

Thankfully, Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) doesn’t believe so, which is why she introduced the “Parents Opt-In Protection Act” last year – legislation that will prohibit schools from doing so without written consent from their mom or dad.

H.R. 4986 would amend the “General Education Provisions Act” (GEPA), a federal law dating to 1968 that basically establishes rules for programs associated with the United States Department of Education. It would also amend the “Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment” (PPRA) – which is part of the GEPA and which came ten years later.

The bill is being evaluated and discussed in the House’s “Education and Workforce Committee” meeting on Tuesday. 

Why is this even necessary?

When the PPRA was first passed in 1978, lawmakers and education officials would not have envisioned anyone wanting to ask students about things like their sexual identity or other aspects related to their personal mental health. Even the way surveys and evaluations are conducted has changed dramatically with the advent of technology.

As a kindergarten student, I remember going home with notes for my mother safety-pinned to my shirt or jacket. Today, there are far more efficient and faster ways to thoroughly and thoughtfully communicate with parents or guardians. 

But H.R. 4986 isn’t about efficiency – it’s about transparency and ensuring that moms and dads are aware of what’s going on. It’s also about making sure that parents, not bureaucrats, have the final say regarding what children are exposed to at school. 

In Illinois, where Rep. Miller is based, the radical Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill into law mandating mental health screenings for students in grades 3-12. At first glance, the intent of such legislation may seem noble. After all, doesn’t everyone want mentally stable children?

Yet a mental health screening can include a myriad of questions and address any number of issues, introducing and exploring sensitive subjects ranging from sexual confusion to suicide, to name just a few.

Rep. Miller’s bill is being co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Andy Harris, Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Keith Self, Rep. Russ Fulcher, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Clay Higgins, Rep. Diana Harshbarger, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Sheri Biggs, Rep. Brandon Gill, Rep. Paul Gosar, Rep. Troy Nehls, Rep. Julie Fedorchak and Rep. Blake Moore.

In addition to Focus on the Family supporting this measure, other organizations championing the bill include the American Principles Project, Parents Defending Education, Moms for America, Parental Rights Foundation, Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, Concerned Women for America, Alliance Defending Freedom and the Independent Women’s Forum.

Mothers and fathers, not school administrators, are entitled to decide what is asked of their children. Please join us in praying that this commonsense legislation receives the bipartisan support it deserves.