(The Center Square) – Parents officially have a bill of rights in Ohio, requiring school systems to notify them of students’ health and well-being, along with any instructional materials with sexual content.
The same bill, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law late Wednesday, also requires school districts to adopt a religious release time policy for students.
“I’m grateful to see the Parents’ Bill of Rights officially cross the finish line,” said Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron. “This critical legislation will ensure parents have a voice when it comes to the health and well-being of their children.”
The bill, passed during a fury of activity during the final day and night of the legislative session last month, requires schools to notify parents of any mental, emotional or physical health-related change in their child. It also prohibits schools from encouraging students to hide the changes from their parents.
Schools must adopt a policy by July 1 that promotes parental involvement.
Districts also have to create a policy to ensure any sexual content must be appropriate for the age of the student receiving the instruction, regardless of the age or grade level of the student.
Before providing any instruction that includes sexual content, parents must be given a chance to review the material and be allowed to remove their child from the instruction and given an alternative assignment.
“It is critical that parents have a seat at the table when it comes to their children, and this legislation encourages parents and schools to partner together for the well-being of our children,” Swearingen said.
Districts will also need a policy allowing students to leave school for a course in religious instruction. They can also require a sponsoring group instructor and volunteers to undergo a criminal background check.
“I am proud to stand for our families by supporting this important measure that prioritizes character development and the influence of our parents in their children’s lives,” said Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester. “Parents deserve to know what is happening in the classroom and help direct their children’s educations. This legislation solidifies this common sense policy in our schools.”