federal legislation

Pray the ‘Parents Opt-in Protection Act’ Becomes Law

Should school officials in America be permitted to ask students personal questions about intimate matters without first receiving permission from their parents?

Thankfully, Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) doesn’t believe so, which is why she introduced the “Parents Opt-In Protection Act” last year – legislation that will prohibit schools from doing so without written consent from their mom or dad.

HR 4986 would amend the “General Education Provisions Act” (GEPA), a federal law dating to 1968 that basically establishes rules for programs associated with the United States Department of Education. It would also amend the “Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment” (PPRA) – which is part of the GEPA and which came ten years later.

The bill is being evaluated and discussed in the House’s “Education and Workforce Committee” meeting on Tuesday. 

Why is this even necessary?

When the PPRA was first passed in 1978, lawmakers and education officials would not have envisioned anyone wanting to ask students about things like their sexual identity or other aspects related to their personal mental health. Even the way surveys and evaluations are conducted has changed dramatically with the advent of technology.

As a kindergarten student, I remember going home with notes for my mother safety-pinned to my shirt or jacket. Today, there are far more efficient and faster ways to thoroughly and thoughtfully communicate with parents or guardians. 

But H.R. 4986 isn’t about efficiency – it’s about transparency and ensuring that moms and dads are aware of what’s going on. It’s also about making sure that parents, not bureaucrats, have the final say regarding what children are exposed to at school. 

In Illinois, where Rep. Miller is based, the radical Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill into law mandating mental health screenings for students in grades 3-12. At first glance, the intent of such legislation may seem noble. After all, doesn’t everyone want mentally stable children?

Yet a mental health screening can include a myriad of questions and address any number of issues, introducing and exploring sensitive subjects ranging from sexual confusion to suicide, to name just a few.

Rep. Miller’s bill is being co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Andy Harris, Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Keith Self, Rep. Russ Fulcher, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Clay Higgins, Rep. Diana Harshbarger, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Sheri Biggs, Rep. Brandon Gill, Rep. Paul Gosar, Rep. Troy Nehls, Rep. Julie Fedorchak and Rep. Blake Moore.

In addition to Focus on the Family supporting this measure, other organizations championing the bill include the American Principles Project, Parents Defending Education, Moms for America, Parental Rights Foundation, Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, Concerned Women for America, Alliance Defending Freedom and the Independent Women’s Forum.

Mothers and fathers, not school administrators, are entitled to decide what is asked of their children. Please join us in praying that this commonsense legislation receives the bipartisan support it deserves.

The Federal Case for Ending NDAs in Child Abuse Settlements

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York have introduced federal legislation that will ban the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) designed to silence victims or anyone associated with victims of child sexual abuse and trafficking.

Titled the “Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements,” the bill will, in essence, nationalize “Trey’s Law” — a movement launched by Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, sister of the late Trey Carlock.

Trey, who was sexually abused at a Christian summer camp over the course of many years, had settled with the organization, but was forced to sign an NDA. According to family members, the young man’s trauma was magnified by his forced silence. He reportedly told a therapist, “They will always control me, and I’ll never be free.”

He died by suicide.

“My brother is in heaven,” Elizabeth Phillips has said. “He’s whole and healed. Who’s going to speak for him and for other victims because of these NDAs? If not me, then who?”

“No child who has endured sexual abuse should be forced to carry that horror in silence,” stated Senator Cruz. “Non-disclosure agreements are too often used to protect abusers, with incalculable and catastrophic consequences for their victims. We owe it to Trey to ensure that victims have the right to speak about their experiences and that contracts are not used to silence survivors.”

In a rare display of bipartisanship, Senator Gillibrand agreed, noting, “Survivors deserve the right to tell their stories and hold abusers accountable.”

Trey’s laws are on the books in California, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama. Efforts to pass similar legislation in other states are underway, including Oklahoma, Georgia, Louisiana, Kansas, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Alabama Senator Katie Britt, who is co-sponsoring the federal legislation, contends this should be an easy and commonsense bill to pass.

Standing with Elizabeth Phillips, Senator Britt shared, “I want us to get this done to honor your brother and to protect children all across the country. If we cannot pass this law quickly, I’m not sure what in the world we’re even doing here.”

If passed, the federal bill would void any previously signed NDA that silenced survivors of sexual abuse in any state. These individuals would be free to not only tell their story — but warn others to watch out for certain people or places. It would exponentially increase accountability and transparency. 

As with ongoing efforts with Trey’s Law, Focus on the Family strongly supports the “Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements” bill. These NDAs have magnified and multiplied the horrific trauma of victims and their families. The bill’s passage will not erase the sin or the suffering, but it does hold the potential to aid in healing and the recovery process.