# Plain Language Summary: For the Parents Act

This bill aims to prevent public schools and colleges from teaching what the bill calls "critical race theory." The bill directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance within 60 days telling schools they cannot teach critical race theory or use any curriculum that the bill claims promotes racial division. Schools would be required to treat all races equally in their teaching. The Secretary would also have to report back to Congress within six months identifying which schools have used critical race theory and whether any teachers have been punished for speaking against it.

The bill defines critical race theory very specifically. According to this definition, it includes teaching that any race is superior or inferior to another, that the United States is fundamentally racist, that the Declaration of Independence or Constitution are racist documents, that someone's moral worth is based on their race, that people are inherently racist because of their race, or that individuals bear responsibility for actions committed by others of their same race. This definition is narrower than how scholars typically use the term "critical race theory," which is an academic framework usually taught in law schools and graduate programs, not K-12 classrooms.

To enforce these rules, the bill would require colleges that receive federal funding to comply with the guidance, and it would require states receiving federal education funds to certify that their public schools are following the guidance. If schools don't comply, they could potentially lose federal funding. The bill essentially creates a system where the federal government can pressure schools to avoid certain teachings about race and history by threatening to withhold money that schools depend on for operations.

For the Parents Act

Carter, Earl L. "Buddy"

For the Parents Act This bill conditions receipt of federal education funds on compliance with guidance issued by the Department of Education on (1) banning in public education the teaching of critical race theory and the usage of any teaching methodology or curriculum that promotes or causes a racial divide or lack of equality, and (2) requiring that all races be treated equally. Specifically, institutions of higher education must comply with the guidance and each state must certify that each public elementary and secondary school in the state complies with such guidance.