Ohio parents' rights law for schools takes effect
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Ohio's "Parents' Bill of Rights" law takes effect Wednesday, another controversial and sweeping education overhaul, this time at the K-12 level.
Why it matters: House Bill 8 shows Republicans' progress in gaining control over public education, particularly in areas tied to the culture wars, including transgender students' rights.
What's inside: Districts must now notify parents of "substantial changes" to their child's health and well-being, including "any request by a student to identify as a gender that does not align with the student's biological sex."
- Separately, districts must also notify parents of instructional materials containing "sexuality content" and provide an opt-out option.
Plus: All students must be allowed to leave for private religious instruction during the school day — a practice that has drawn scrutiny amid Hilliard-based nonprofit LifeWise Academy's growing presence.
Zoom in: Local districts have made recent moves to comply with the religious teaching mandate, which requires a policy in place by today. That includes Westerville, which previously banned such absences.
- Columbus' school board revised its policy last month to prohibit religious organizations from sending students back to class with souvenirs like candy and trinkets.
- The board also reviewed a "Parents' Bill of Rights" policy last week but hasn't voted yet.
Between the lines: Underlying the "parental rights" debate are concerns that minors could receive gender-affirming care through school without their parents' knowledge.
The big picture: Twenty-four states currently have similar laws, per Ballotpedia, which proponents say are necessary to promote transparency and parents' involvement.
- "They're the first teachers, they're the best teachers, and that's very, very important," Gov. Mike DeWine said of parents when signing the bill into law.
The other side: Critics say such laws are a tactic to instill distrust and fear.
- School counselors who testified against the bill shared concerns that students with unsupportive families will be deterred from seeking care, and LGBTQ+ activists noted educators may now be forced to out children.
What's next: School boards must adopt a policy regarding the other requirements by July 1.