A large majority of voters believe schools should be required to inform parents when their child wants to change gender identity at school, new polling shows, a finding that bolsters Republican efforts to give parents a greater say in students' schooling.
Seventy-one percent of voters support passing legislation that requires schools to inform parents in those instances, according to data from Parents Defending Education. If the child wants to transition, 75 percent of voters support legislation that would require schools to receive parental consent before aiding in the process.
"Education officials at the local, state, and federal level have demonstrated a callous disregard for parental rights, highlighting the need for both courts and policymakers to act, in order to end this egregious overreach," Parents Defending Education president Nicole Neily said.
The polling comes as House Republicans are set to bring the Parents Bill of Rights Act to a vote on the floor. The bill aims to give parents more knowledge of their children's education, requiring districts to post curriculums publicly and give parents lists of the books at school. The bill would also require schools to receive parental consent before "changing a minor child's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form" or "allowing a child to change the child's sex-based accommodations," including bathrooms or locker rooms.
"For nearly two years, frustrated parents across this country have been trying to voice their concerns and often found themselves denied at nearly every turn," Republican House speaker Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) said.
Democrats are opposing the bill, with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Oregon) calling it "unproductive" and "burdensome." She introduced a different bill that prioritizes "inclusive" public education.
The House Judiciary Committee is also investigating the Judiciary Department and Department of Education for what Republicans call the targeting of parents at school board meetings for demanding answers on their children's education.