The Michigan Legislature tonight gave its final approval to Rep. Annette Glenn’s plan prominently reaffirming the rights of parents in schools.

House Bill 5703 would require all public schools to prominently post an affirmation of the parental rights already provided by state law in administration offices, school board meeting rooms and other locations. The language reaffirming parental rights would also be included in manuals and training materials provided to Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education employees.

Glenn’s measure advances to Gov. Whitmer for her consideration.

“Parents have rights in public schools that have been enshrined in Michigan law for decades,” said Glenn, R-Midland. “It’s time that everyone – including community members and parents themselves – are reminded of those rights. This is a simple, straightforward measure to reinforce that parents have the fundamental right to direct their children’s education.”

Glenn’s legislation includes a requirement that the following language from Michigan’s Revised School Code be displayed in public schools: “It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil’s parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil’s intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment.”

Glenn introduced the legislation in February. It originally passed the House with broad bipartisan support in March. Glenn renewed her call to finalize approval of the legislation after the recent controversy over Michigan Department of Education training videos suggesting educators should hide information about students’ gender identity from their parents.

The Senate approved a final version of the bill by a 28-5 vote, while the House approved it 84-20, sending it to the governor.

Glenn’s legislation is modeled after federal and state laws that for decades have required workplaces to publicly post notices of legal protections related to employment, safety and other areas.

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