McClellan Opposes Politics Over Parents Legislation, Speaks Out in Opposition on House Floor

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted against H.R. 5, the “Parents Bill of Rights Act,” to protect the interests of students and parents in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District and across the nation.

“I strongly oppose H.R. 5, which should be called the ‘Politics Over Parents Act,’ because it brings unnecessary culture wars into the classroom and threatens our student’ ability to receive an objective, evidence-based education,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. “As the mother of two young children in Virginia’s public-school system, I consistently speak with other parents about their concerns and hopes for their children in the classroom. Parents want expanded resources for mental and behavioral health services, inclusive school environments that foster learning and critical thinking, and increased resources to repair crumbling school buildings. Unfortunately, H.R. 5 addresses none of these issues.”

Among its provisions, H.R. 5:

• Creates unnecessary and burdensome reporting requirements on schools.
• Diverts essential resources and personnel away from meeting families’ real needs.
• Opens the possibility to dictate what students can and cannot read or learn.

“This legislation is a political stunt that would ban books, rewrite our history, and enable a vocal minority to impose their beliefs on all parents and students,” continued Congresswoman McClellan. “It has problematic provisions that would make the classroom less safe for LGBTQI+ students and threaten critical federal funding for nutrition programs as a punitive measure for those that do not comply. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle should stop the partisan posturing and come to the table in good faith to address the issues parents really care about.”

During floor debate on the legislation, Congresswoman McClellan spoke out in opposition to the legislation.

H.R. 5 is also opposed by the National Education Association, the American Library Association, and twenty other education advocacy and family support organizations.

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Media Contact:

• Shahid Ahmed, 202.731.0908, shahid.ahmed@mail.house.gov