H.R. 2616: Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act

This bill, titled the "Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act" or "PROTECT Kids Act," outlines specific requirements for public elementary and middle schools that receive federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Key Requirements

• The bill mandates that public schools must obtain parental consent before they can change a student’s gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school forms.
• Additionally, schools must also secure parental consent before implementing changes related to sex-based accommodations for the student, which includes access to locker rooms or bathrooms.

Definition of Covered Students

A "covered student" under this bill refers to any minor who is either:

• An elementary school student.
• A student in any of the middle grades.

Funding Implications

Public schools that do not comply with these requirements risk losing their federal funding provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that parents have a direct role in decisions regarding their children's gender identity as recognized within the school environment.

Scope of the Bill

This regulation particularly focuses on public educational institutions, aiming to reinforce parental rights in matters that affect their children’s identity and the educational environment.

Other Provisions

The bill primarily serves to establish a clear guideline on the necessity of parental consent, promoting engagement between parents and schools regarding sensitive issues related to minors.

Conclusion

The bill seeks to place a greater emphasis on parental authority concerning the education and care of children in the context of how schools address gender identity and associated accommodations.

Relevant Companies

• None found