Photo by Andre m. California State Capitol. CC BY-SA 3.0.
Parents received a big win at the U.S. Supreme Court this year from the emergency ruling of Mirabelli v. Bonta. The High Court blocked California schools from purposely hiding from parents when their kids identify as the opposite sex. Not only does this strike at a rash of state laws trying to hide student activity from parents, but it serves as a reminder of a fundamental principle in our law: children belong first to their families, not to the state.
For more than a century, the U.S. legal system has recognized that parents have the primary responsibility and authority to raise their children. One of the most important cases establishing this principle was the 1925 Supreme Court decision in Pierce v. Society of Sisters. In that unanimous ruling, the Court made clear that “the child is not the mere creature of the state,” and affirmed that parents have the right and duty to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
Despite this long-standing precedent, many recent policies in schools, medicine, and government have actively usurped the role of parents. In some cases, concerned educators, medical professionals, and legal advocates have successfully argued that these policies effectively treats parents as temporary caretakers rather than the primary authority responsible for their children. Despite their victories, the problem not only persists, but is spreading. Many pro-family organizations have urged Congress to pass the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act or similar legislation designed to reaffirm parental authority in federal law. Key proposals emphasize principles that the right of parents to raise their children is a natural and pre-political right and that government should respect and protect that relationship—not undermine it.
A healthy society recognizes the deeper truth that families are the foundational institution of civilization and that parents are uniquely equipped and motivated by God to care for their children. Bravo to the Supreme Court for soundly rejecting California’s anti-parent policy, and we hope and pray that this decision will quickly challenge the policies in many other liberal states. The Phyllis Schlafly Report will always champion the family is the building block of our communities and country. Find our latest reporting and get timely emails at PhyllisSchlafly.com, again follow us online at PhyllisSchlafly.com. Thanks for listening and join us again next time for the Phyllis Schlafly Report.
