Parents’ Bill Of Rights

Politicians in several states and at the federal level have been enacting “Parents’ Bill Of Rights” legislation. In most cases, these laws restrict the books and courses that are available to students, restrict what can be taught and even discussed in classrooms - in some cases, even menstruation cannot be mentioned even to high school students - and they make it easier to fire teachers and administrators.

This is unfortunate in too many ways to discuss, but it is also a missed opportunity. Here is an ideal for a Parents’ Bill Of Rights that could actually have a positive impact, and I would like to see if enacted at the national level.

“Every measure will be taken to keep students safe from gun violence in and around schools. To that end, universal background checks and waiting periods will be required for all firearm purchases. Red flag laws will facilitate identification of people with a history of violent or threatening behavior, including domestic abuse and violent social media posts. No person on a red flag list can purchase a firearm for a period of not less than seven years from the latest incident.

Insecure gun storage will be charged as a felony. Assault weapons will be reclassified and will require special permitting and insurance for purchase, including a minimum age requirement of 25 years.

Keeping students safe from violence is a solemn responsibility, and we commit to doing everything possible to achieve and maintain safe environments for learning.”