Parental Rights Amendment Exposed

The Parental Rights Amendment is listed under ALEC's Education Task Force and was included in the 1995 ALEC Sourcebook of American State Legislation. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

CMD's Bill Summary

This "model" constitutional amendment attempts to dress up the effort to privatize the American tradition of public education as a parental right, creating a political wedge issue while also elevating these privatization efforts to "constitutional" status, which can then be used as a weapon to strike down any statute that is purported to infringe on the rights granted by this vague amendment.

ALEC Bill Text

Summary

The Parental Rights Amendment grants parents the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

Model Legislation

Section 1. {Short Title}

This Act shall be known as the Parental Rights Amendment.

Section 2. {Main Provision}

Be it resolved that the state constitution be amended to read as follows:

The right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children shall not be infringed. The legislature shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this section.

Section 3. {Severability Clause}

Section 4. {Repealer Clause}

Section 5. {Effective Date}

ALEC's Sourcebook of American State Legislation 1995