Congresswoman Harriet Hageman Introduces Bill to Strengthen Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the Parental Rights Relief Act to give parents and eligible students a private right of action to enforce their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). This bill requires the Department of Education to expeditiously resolve complaints within 90 days.

"Parents and students deserve clear, enforceable rights when it comes to educational records and privacy," said Rep. Hageman. "While we've seen decisive leadership from President Trump and Secretary McMahon to protect parental rights, the Biden administration's actions led to families being shut out, ignored, or forced to wait indefinitely while their concerns go unanswered. The Parental Rights Relief Act gives parents and eligible students a private right of action to enforce their rights under FERPA and PPRA and requires the Department of Education to resolve complaints within 90 days. My legislation provides a permanent solution and makes clear that parental rights are not optional, and schools and the federal government will be held accountable when those rights are violated."

"Many schools continue to withhold information from parents about their children or do not allow them to review the curriculum used to teach their children. They know parents lack an effective legal mechanism to seek redress when their rights over their children's education and privacy are infringed. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman's Parental Rights Relief Act (PARRA) rectifies this unfair situation by allowing parents to sue schools to enforce compliance with FERPA and PPRA. Establishing a private right to action would safeguard parental rights and ensure accountability within educational institutions. It would also serve as a strong deterrent against potential violations, encouraging schools to uphold the confidentiality and integrity of student information and respect the fundamental role of parents in their children's education," stated Alfonso Aguilar, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Parents Defending Education Action.

Background:

FERPA, enacted in 1974, protects student educational records and gives parents oversight over the disclosure of personally identifiable information. PPRA provides parents with rights to review curriculum, opt children out of certain surveys or studies, and consent to certain school activities affecting student privacy.

The bill responds to cases like Cedar Grove, New Jersey, where parents waited over a year for the Department of Education to respond to PPRA complaints before outside legal action secured enforcement. By creating a private right of action and establishing clear deadlines, the legislation ensures families can protect their children's rights without undue delay.

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