ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Harmeet Dhillon announces new federal initiative to bolster parental rights pact
New federal partnership aims to give parents greater oversight of their children's education.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 18, Jun 2026
- 16:34 EDT
- 38
Harmeet Dhillon / X/ Harmeet Dhillon
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced on June 17 that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education have signed an interagency agreement aimed at strengthening enforcement of parental rights protections in schools.
"Today is a new day for parental rights in America," Dhillon said in a video statement announcing the agreement, which she described as a "historic interagency agreement" designed to protect parents, children and families in schools across the country.
Also Read: Harmeet Dhillon sues Illinois city for 'race discrimination'
TODAY is a NEW DAY for #ParentalRights!
— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) June 17, 2026
@CivilRights will restore parental authority—no secret transitions, no hiding info from parents, no surveys without consent.
We WILL investigate, litigate & defund as necessary.
Parents, your voice is back NOW! @TheJusticeDept pic.twitter.com/nRz0KVvyYA
"A school cannot hide your child's educational records or curriculum from you, and it cannot force your child to discuss sensitive topics without your consent," Dhillon said.
She alleged that some schools have failed to comply with those protections, saying they had "ignored these protections, twisted the rules, and kept parents in the dark exactly when their children needed them the most."
According to Dhillon, the agreement is intended to enforce existing federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), which govern parental access to educational records and require consent for certain student surveys and discussions involving sensitive topics.
Dhillon said the partnership between the Justice Department and the Education Department would strengthen enforcement mechanisms for federally funded schools.
The assistant attorney general also said the Justice Department, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, would pursue investigations and litigation against schools found to be violating federal parental rights laws.
"If a school has a policy or practice that blocks you from exercising your rights, we will investigate. If necessary, we will litigate," Dhillon said. "And if a school continues to violate the law, then that school will not receive federal funds anymore."
Dhillon said the initiative is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to expand parental involvement in education and ensure compliance with federal civil rights and education laws.
"Parents, your voice is back. Your rights are being enforced, and your children's future is safer than ever," she said. "This is real change you'll be able to see, and it starts right now."
Since taking office as head of the Civil Rights Division in April 2025, Dhillon has emphasized parental rights, religious liberty, challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and policies involving transgender students as key enforcement areas.
Earlier this year, she said the Justice Department was investigating Illinois school districts over allegations that they encouraged or facilitated student gender transitions without parental notice or consent.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login