SB 131 would allow parents to sue schools over parents' bill of rights
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — A state lawmaker wants Oklahomans to be able to file lawsuits against schools if their rights as parents are violated.
Supporters say it would empower parents but those against it say it could scare off teachers.
Successful lawsuits could result in monetary damages or injunctions to make sure certain actions happen.
The right to direct the education of a child and make healthcare decisions for a child are just two of several items listed in the impressively titled Oklahoma Parents' Bill of Rights. But if the rights are violated there's really no penalty, at least, not yet.
"Well, my thoughts are, yes!," said Tulsa grandparent Kathy McDonald, reacting to SB 131 which would authorize parents "to file a civil action against a person or governmental entity for a violation of the Parents’ Bill of Rights."
"It gives teeth to the power of parenting," said McDonald.
The bill would also change the protocol for sexual education classes, making it opt-in rather than opt-out. Something McDonald supports as well since she says it will make sure parents know what their kids are learning.
"If they have to sign to allow them in, then they will know. That's called opt-in. They sign and they agree to let their child go, and that is, sounds American to me," she said.
But not so enthusiastic about the bill is Tulsa Public Schools Board Member John Croisant, who told NewsChannel 8, "Pitting parents against educators is not the answer. This bill would only add more litigation and scare tactics against educators that will only further exacerbate the teacher shortage in Oklahoma that is already critical. Like many bills that are filed this time of year, I don’t feel this bill deserves any consideration."
As far as McDonald goes, she's opting in to support the bill.
"The parents are unempowered right now and we don't know it. I didn't know it. I'm shocked," she said.
Lawsuits wouldn't just be limited to schools, they could also be filed against an individual person or governmental entity.