Parents Bill of Rights Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIDSON. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, this amendment requires any public school receiving Federal funds under Title I and Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to hold an open enrollment period both for students living inside and outside the school district.

Parents have a right to decide where their child goes to school, and this amendment grants parents this important right to choose the best education for their child, no matter the ZIP Code.

It is important to note this applies only to Federal funds. Some might argue, well, local schools have different tax jurisdictions. This is only for the Federal funds.

School choice is critical to not only the parent, but also to the student who deserves a safe, high-quality education, not indoctrination.

We must provide families with freedom to choose. It is the parents' duty to make the best choice for their children, and choice is the ultimate enforcement mechanism for this Parents Bill of Rights Act.

My amendment also requires that these schools post an announcement on their website with details about the open enrollment period to ensure parents have all the information needed to make an informed decision, such as an application deadline, the approval rate of applications, and how long the enrollment period will be valid. Again, this gives parents the power and ability to make the most informed decision.

Under this amendment, schools must give every student that applies via the open enrollment process, ``a full and fair consideration,'' an important detail to ensure that every student receives the opportunity to succeed.

Open enrollment and the increase in educational freedom is imperative to the success of our youth. It is a parental right and it is in the best interests of every student to be granted this opportunity.

This amendment provides every single parent with the power to choose.

Madam Chair, I urge support for my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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