The Parental Rights Constitutional Amendment (S. Joint Res. 37)

What is S. Joint Res. 37?

(Updated June 19, 2018)

This joint resolution (meaning it needs no approval from the president) would amend the U.S. Constitution  and states that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. The amendment goes on to:

-declare that the parental right to direct education includes the right to choose public, private, religious, or home schools, and the right to make reasonable choices within public schools for one's child;

-states that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest, as applied to the person, is of the highest order and not otherwise served;

-prohibits this article from being construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life; and

-declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.

Argument in favor

The right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is fundamental.

Argument opposed

Turns America's public education system into a hellscape of litigation and dysfunction.

Impact

The bill impacts the U.S. Constitution and the scope of parents' rights.

Cost of S. Joint Res. 37

No impact on the federal budget.

Additional Info

Of Note: