Stefanowski Proposes 'Parental Bill of Rights'

CONNECTICUT — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski released a “parental bill of rights” proposal that would expand school choice, leave sex education decisions up to parents, end any school mask mandates, and prohibit transgender athletes from competing in female competitions.

“During the last several years, the pendulum has swung too far against the rights of parents and their ability to make critical decisions for their children in terms of education, healthcare, and the teaching of moral values they hold dear,” Stefanowski said in a statement. “As governor, I am going to reverse that trend and restore parental rights in a significant and meaningful way.”

Stefanowski’s proposal would give parents school vouchers so they can attend charter, magnet and technical schools of their choice. He elaborated at a news conference and said he also supports vouchers for private parochial schools, according to the Hartford Courant.

“Parents should have options to choose the best education for their children, and no child should have their educational opportunity limited by their zip code,” Stefanowski said in a statement.

Gov. Ned Lamont accused Stefanowski of trying to pit parents against teachers for political points.

“Parents are actively involved, and we're so much better off when they're singing in concert with each other,” he said at an unrelated news conference. “I don't need anybody pitting parents against teachers that’s bad for the kids, and bad for our students, and bad for our schools.”

Lamont also said Connecticut has an open choice program where students in overcrowded urban districts can attend neighboring districts that have open spots, which the state would pay for. He admitted the program has mixed success, and it’s ultimately up to local schools to decide on the initiative.

Regarding transgender athletes, Lamont said Stefanowski was looking for a problem to fit a solution.

“I don't need a lot of politicians piling on and making political hay at the expense of what is probably a very few kids going through a very tough time right now,” Lamont said. “I leave it up to the leagues I think they'll make the right decision.”

Stefanowski’s parental bill of rights proposal would also raise the age of parental consent for social media access from 13 to 16.

He also wants to raise funding for tutoring programs that will help address learning loss that occurred during the pandemic and provide school districts with more money to fortify security and hire public safety professionals.