Today, the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee held a hearing focused on parental rights in education and government involvement. Chairman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) addressed the topic "Defending Faith and Families Against Government Overreach: Mahmoud v. Taylor."
Kiley began by stating, "Parental rights are fundamental. That means parents have a right to direct their child’s education, and a right to the information necessary to do so." He raised concerns about school districts introducing controversial classroom materials without informing parents.
He highlighted Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), which added curriculum related to gender ideology for young children during the 2022-2023 school year. According to Kiley, teachers were instructed to correct students who questioned these lessons by saying, "That comment is hurtful." He said this approach conflicted with many parents' beliefs.
A group of parents from various faith backgrounds requested advance notice of when such topics would be taught so they could opt their children out for religious reasons. Kiley explained that these parents did not seek to change the curriculum but only wanted the option for their children not to attend those classes. The district denied this request.
The dispute led to a legal case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, which reached the Supreme Court. Kiley summarized the ruling: "In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Court granted a preliminary injunction on the grounds that the parents’ right to opt out of MCPS gender and sexuality teachings was protected under the Free Exercise Clause." He quoted from the decision: "a government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses 'a very real threat of undermining' the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill." The Court also stated, "For many people of faith, there are few religious acts more important than the religious education of their children," granting it "a generous measure of constitutional protection."
Kiley continued: "These are common-sense principles. Religious freedom is a cornerstone of American life, and parents do not surrender it for their children when they enroll in public school."
He noted ongoing concerns about compliance with this ruling: "Unfortunately, we’ll hear testimony today that some districts are trying to circumvent – or even defy – the Court’s holding in Mahmoud. The state of California is attempting to minimize the scope of Mahmoud by giving local districts vast discretion over how and when opt-outs are allowed. Seattle Public Schools has gone even further by banning parental opt-outs from certain classes."
Kiley emphasized longstanding legal precedent supporting parental authority over children's upbringing: "For the past century, the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, health, and education of their children – including faith. As recently as 2000, the Court called it 'perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized.'"
He concluded by outlining today's hearing goals: examining Mahmoud v. Taylor's implications for parental rights in America and reviewing whether schools comply with existing law.
The House Education and Workforce Committee oversees federal programs related to education, labor policy, health initiatives and workforce development according to its official website. It also shapes policies regarding student loans and worker protections while monitoring relevant government agencies (source). The committee advances legislative priorities supporting students and workers through oversight on issues like vocational training options and employee safeguards (source).
