Report urges parents to retain primary control over children's education and values
A new Sutherland Institute study argues that, except for abuse cases, parents should be the foremost decision-makers in their children's upbringing, including schooling, religion and health matters.
In a report titled “Religious Freedom and Parental Authority,” William C. Duncan of the Utah-based Sutherland Institute asserts that parents hold the primary responsibility for shaping their children's values, education, and religious practice, provided no abuse or danger is present. He notes that most states already allow parents to opt out of mandated vaccines and sex-education classes, and he finds only two states lacking such protections.
The paper categorizes parental influence into core rights, balanced interests, and limits, emphasizing that parental input should be the default presumption in interactions with schools, medical providers and government agencies. Duncan recommends shifting to an opt-in model so schools must seek affirmative parental consent before addressing topics that conflict with family beliefs. He also urges legal reforms to reduce court hurdles for parents seeking a meaningful role in public programs, and suggests constitutional amendments where necessary to align with the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause. The author hopes the report will spark further research and dialogue on the balance between parental authority and state interests.
Why it matters
It highlights how parental rights could shape future education, health and religious policies across the United States.
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