Bonamici Introduces Bill of Rights for Students and Parents

WASHINGTON, DC [03/10/23] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents, a resolution to advance an inclusive, aspirational, and affirmative vision for public education.

The Bill of Rights for Students and Parents is a comprehensive resolution that serves as a blueprint for public education rooted in evidence-based practices that support teaching, learning, and family engagement. It serves as a direct contrast to recent proposals that are unproductive, burdensome, and pit parents against educators. The resolution is backed by 27 Members of Congress, several of whom are senior members of the Education and Workforce Committee, and 49 organizations representing parents, teachers, civil rights, and more.

“I am a parent, and for more than 15 years I was very involved as an active volunteer in public education,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “As a public school parent I chaired the parent/teacher organization, served on school and districtwide committees, testified to the school board, and had a meaningful say in the direction of public education in my community. My passion for public education inspired me to run for office and work on education policy in the Oregon legislature and in Congress. I know and appreciate the importance of parental and family engagement in education.”

“Parental involvement is critical to developing and sustaining high-quality public schools, and we must do all we can to involve parents and break down barriers that prevent or discourage participation. Language translation, child care, and flexible hours and video options for conferencing can all make a positive difference. Additionally, we must speak out against and end the attacks on public education that are jeopardizing these essential relationships and threatening to make schools a less welcoming place for Black students and other students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQI+ students, and other marginalized students.

“I introduced the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents because we need an inclusive, affirmative vision for public education. I worked closely and carefully with organizations that represent parents, educators, civil rights advocates, and more to develop this resolution so it is inclusive of parents and students from all backgrounds. Fostering collaboration between parents and their children’s educators will make our schools and communities safer and advance opportunities for all students to obtain a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future regardless of what path they take in life.”

Bonamici is the Ranking Member of the Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. She is a proud public school graduate and parent.

“There could not be a more urgent time to promote learning environments where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn. And it is more important than ever that families and schools work together and develop strong partnerships to support students’ success academically, socially and emotionally,” said National PTA President Anna King. “National PTA applauds Representative Bonamici for developing the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents Resolution. The resolution is a significant step in ensuring all students—including students from historically marginalized communities—have access to a high-quality, equitable and well-rounded education in a welcoming, supportive and inclusive school.

The Bill of Rights for Students and Parents has been endorsed by: AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education); AASA, The School Superintendents Association; American Federation of Teachers; American Humanist Association; American Library Association; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Physical Therapy Association; American School Counselor Association; Americans United for Separation of Church and State; ASPIRA Association, Inc.; Autistic People of Color Fund; Autistic Self Advocacy Network; Center for American Progress; Communities In Schools; Council of Administrators of Special Education; Council on Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA); EDGE Consulting Partners; Education Law Center; GLSEN; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE); Human Rights Campaign; Institute for Educational Leadership; Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA); NAACP; National Association for College Admission Counseling; National Association of Pupil Services Administrators; National Association of School Nurses; National Association of School Psychologists; National Black Justice Coalition; National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD); National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment (National PLACE); National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; National Disability Rights Network (NDRN); National Education Association; National Parents Union; National PTA; National Urban League; National Women's Law Center (NWLC); School Social Work Association of America; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators; Southern Education Foundation; Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (TED); The American Counseling Association; The Education Trust; The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; The Trevor Project; The Young Women's Project; and UnidosUS.

The resolution is built on five pillars:

• A well-rounded education: All students should be able to receive a well-rounded education that provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
• Authentic parental involvement: Parents and families, including those from diverse backgrounds, should be able to collaborate effectively and work in close partnership with their children’s educators toward the improvement of public schools.
• Responsive and inclusive public schools: Public schools should be places where students and educators are supported and feel supported and where students receive the care and counseling they need.
• Students’ civil rights: All students should be able to learn in environments where they can be their full selves and remain free from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on their actual or perceived identity.
• Education and democracy: Public schools are integral to the building of a multiracial, multiethnic, diverse, and inclusive democracy. All students should be able to receive an education that is historically accurate, reflects the diversity of our nation, and prepares students to think critically and participate actively in a representative democracy.

It is co-sponsored by Representatives Alma Adams, Barbara Lee, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Judy Chu, Joe Courtney, Jasmine Crockett, Mark DeSaulnier, Raul Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Jim McGovern, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Donald Payne, Ayanna Pressley, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Andrea Salinas,  Terri Sewell, Haley Stevens, Mark Takano, Rashida Tlaib, and Frederica Wilson.

The full text of the resolution can be found here. A summary can be found here.