A Primer on Parental Rights
Few responsibilities entrusted to government are more important than protecting the rights of parents to raise, educate, and safeguard their children. In South Carolina, citizens have long understood that parents—not bureaucracies, courts, or distant federal agencies—are the primary decision-makers in a child’s life. Parental rights are not a new or radical concept—they are deeply rooted in our state’s traditions and the Judeo-Christian principle that the family is the foundational unit of society.
In recent years, however, these long-standing rights have come under increasing pressure. From federal court rulings and administrative mandates to opaque school practices that limit transparency, parents across the Palmetto State have been raising legitimate concerns about whether their rights are being respected—whether they are being fully informed and empowered in their children’s education. These concerns have prompted renewed attention at every level of government, including Congress, where South Carolina’s own Senator Tim Scott has taken the lead in affirming that, when conflicts arise, the law should be construed broadly in favor of parents.
This paper examines South Carolina’s current legal framework for parental rights in education, compares it to actions taken by other states, and outlines legislative opportunities before the General Assembly in the 2026 session. As lawmakers consider these proposals, the central question is straightforward: will South Carolina reaffirm its commitment to parental rights and transparency in education, or will it continue to lag neighboring states that have acted decisively to put parents back in the driver’s seat?
Read our findings in the full report below. Click here to download.
