Broken Arrow Schools Propose 'Parents' Bill Of Rights'

Parents will soon have more protection under Oklahoma law when the Parents' Bill of Rights goes into effect November 1st.

The bill means parents will legally have the last word in their children's upbringing; including education, healthcare and religion, but the part about education has some Green Country schools concerned.

The Parents' Bill of Rights gives parents the authority, stating Oklahoma cannot "infringe on the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, healthcare and mental health of their children," unless parents are harming their children.

Parent Melissa Stice said, "I wouldn't want the government making the final decision on my son's religion, schooling, or any of those type of things."

The law is in response to one family's ordeal in Boston. 15-year-old Justina Pelletier was put in state custody when doctors would not let her leave the hospital after diagnosing her with a mental condition.

BA Public Schools Bill Of Rights

“I would want the final decision for my children's upbringing,” parent Sara Freeland said.

The law is piquing the interest of Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard, who said the part of the law pertaining to education, could be problematic.

"Parents need to know that if there is a dispute, that they have the opportunity to have an appeal process and to have their voice heard,” he said.

Ballard said there will always be parents voicing concern about their children's learning, and he's not sure whether the new law will give more validity to parents' arguments.

He said the law could lead to changes in district policy.

"Again, we'll have to be taking a closer look at it,” said Ballard.

Broken Arrow Public Schools has already proposed its own Parents' Bill of Rights in response to the law, listing all of the rights parents have in the district, like "the right to be involved in their minor child's education."

We asked to speak with someone from Broken Arrow Public Schools, but no one was available for comment.

The district is asking for parent feedback on its Parents' Bill of Rights by September 30th, a month before the law goes into effect.

If you are a Broken Arrow Public Schools parent, and would like to comment on the BA Parents Bill of Rights, go to this link.