Following Governor Youngkin’s surprising win in Virginia, which demonstrated that supporting parental rights in education could resonate even with moderate and Democratic-leaning voters, the level of bipartisan support for parental rights has been a topic of growing interest. The removal of three progressive school board members in deeply liberal San Francisco further hinted at the broad appeal of this issue, but concrete data remained elusive. Until now.
Twelve years ago, my organization, ParentalRights.org, commissioned a Zogby poll to gauge U.S. voters’ opinions on parental rights. The simple question posed was: “In general, parents have the constitutional right to make decisions for their children without government interference unless there is proof of abuse or neglect. Do you agree or disagree with this view of parental rights?”
Back then, the response was overwhelming: 93.6% of respondents either strongly or somewhat agreed with this statement.
Fast forward to today, and we asked the same question in a nationwide survey conducted by the Parental Rights Foundation, in collaboration with Heart and Mind Strategies. The results remain strong, with 83% of Americans still supporting the principle that parents have the right to make decisions for their children. Of that, 51% strongly agree, while only 10% disagree, with just 3% strongly disagreeing. Furthermore, only 6% of respondents were unsure.
Three key takeaways emerge from the results of this survey:
- Widespread Support for Parental Rights
Parental rights continue to enjoy overwhelming support across the country, transcending political divides. It’s rare to find an issue that unites voters of all stripes, from Trump supporters to Biden voters, but protecting a parent’s right to raise their child without government interference is something that resonates deeply with Americans from all political backgrounds. - A Slight Decline in Support
While the level of support for parental rights remains high, it has slightly decreased from the 94% approval seen in 2010. Today’s 83% support still represents a strong majority, but it signals a need for renewed attention to this issue. The dip, though small, underscores the importance of enacting legislation that secures the right of parents—rather than bureaucrats—to make critical decisions about the upbringing and education of their children. - The Need for Action
The survey results show that Americans overwhelmingly support parental rights, but unfortunately, many politicians fail to act when it matters most. Despite public backing, some politicians cave under pressure from well-funded special interest groups and vote against the interests of parents. These survey results need to be front and center for those in power. Politicians must be reminded that protecting children means empowering their parents, not undermining them.
In conclusion, the survey reaffirms that the majority of Americans stand firmly with parents when it comes to making decisions for their children. We must continue to advocate for policies that protect parental rights and ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions. The love a parent has for their child is a universal bond, and it’s time our laws reflected this fundamental truth.