Walberg, Scott Introduce Bill to Safeguard Parental Rights

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act. The PROTECT Kids Act will require any federally funded elementary or middle school to seek and acquire parental consent before changing their child’s pronouns, gender markers, or preferred name on any school form. This includes allowing a child to change their sex-based accommodations, such as locker rooms or bathrooms. 

“Schools should not be withholding information about students from parents,” said Rep. Walberg. “Parents need to have a seat at the table for every discussion related to their children and we need to demand full transparency. This bill would safeguard parental rights by requiring parental consent and will help mitigate under-the-radar activism in our schools. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Scott, as we work to defend the rights of parents by enshrining this legislation into law." 

“Far too often, parents are pushed out of their child’s education—and kids are paying the price. As the party of parents, Republicans are committed to ensuring that parents are always in the driver’s seat when it comes to their child’s upbringing,” said Sen. Scott. “I am proud to stand for parental rights and put forth my PROTECT Kids Act to ensure parents remain the lead decision maker in their child’s life.”

Congressman Walberg serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.