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Parents could opt out, but Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller told
the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce that her
Parents Opt-In Protection Act would flip the default.
“The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, or PPRA, prohibits
educational institutions that receive federal funding from
requiring students to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation
without the parent’s consent, should such a survey or evaluation
ask for sensitive information about the student,” Miller said
during a hearing last week.
HR 4986 requires written consent each time a school survey or
screening is conducted.
Miller said her bill ensures that parents and students are fully
informed before they disclose sensitive information.
“This includes the student’s sexual behavior, income, political
affiliations or religious beliefs,” Miller said.
U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, D-California, opposed Miller's bill,
citing a 2023 survey that found nearly three in 10 high school
students reported poor mental health in the previous 30 days.
“That very same survey found dramatic disparities between the
experiences of LGBTQ+ students and their peers,” Takano said.
Takano called the bill “reprehensible” and said opt-in systems
create burdens on both parents and school staff.
U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-North Carolina, said current law already
protects parents and students.
The committee advanced Miller's legislation, sending it to the
full House for consideration.
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