BISMARCK – The North Dakota State House has killed a bill that would have established certain rights of a parent in the context of public school.
House Bill 2260 states that the government cannot substantially burden a parent’s right to direct the upbringing of their child. Some of the rights established in the bill include having access to the educational record relating to the child and being notified if an employee suspects a criminal offense against the child. The bill would have made an exception if the employee reasonably suspects the crime is being committed by the parent.
The bill also would have required school boards to promote parental involvement in policy making, allowing parents to have their child opt out of curriculum the parent deems inappropriate.
Opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and vague, as parental rights are already established in the constitution. Some argued it impedes local control. Proponents argued that it clarifies what is already in the constitution and that parental control is local control.
The bill failed 51 to 39.
