A Century Later, Parental Rights Remain a Pillar of American Liberty

One hundred years ago in 1925, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Pierce v. Society of Sisters that echoed through the halls of history. The court stated emphatically that children are not mere wards of the state and affirmed parents’ fundamental rights to guide the upbringing and education of their children. This wasn’t merely a legal decision; it symbolized a victory for families and a robust assertion that parents, not government officials, are best suited to make choices for their children. Today, as we reflect on this significant milestone, we also recognize President Donald Trump, whose advocacy for parental rights resonates with the ideals upheld by our Founding Fathers, who regarded the family as integral to the fabric of society and rooted in natural law. As we await the Supreme Court’s decision on Mahmoud v. Taylor, it is crucial to consider the implications of these rights and how the legacy of Pierce reverberates in homes across America.

Understanding Parental Rights as Natural Rights

Parental rights extend beyond a mere legal framework; they represent an inherent duty embedded in human nature. The Founding Fathers grasped this concept profoundly. John Adams, in 1778, asserted that the cornerstone of national morality must be established in private families, stressing that parents are the primary educators of virtue, molding children into responsible citizens capable of sustaining liberty. Similarly, Thomas Jefferson drew inspiration from natural law, claiming that the parental role in shaping children’s education and moral compass is vital for preserving freedom. The Founders influenced by John Locke recognized parental authority as a natural right, one that predates government intervention. This right empowers parents to nurture, love, and prepare their children for life without unwarranted state interference. This understanding is reflected in the Constitution, specifically through the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, which protect rights not explicitly listed, including parental rights, ensuring families exist free from arbitrary control.

The Impact of the Pierce Decision

The ruling in Pierce breathed life into this vision by nullifying an Oregon law that sought to mandate public schooling, thereby disregarding parental choice. The Supreme Court upheld the right of parents to decide the educational pathways for their children, whether through public institutions, private schools, homeschooling, or faith-based education. This ruling resonates deeply with every parent actively involved in teaching their children values, beliefs, and essential life skills. Parents want assurances that schools will respect their family’s convictions, and that educational experiences align with their aspirations for their children’s future. It is fundamentally about reinforcing the idea that children belong to their families, not to the state.

Trump’s Commitment to Parental Rights

President Trump exemplifies this legacy, aligning closely with the Founders’ respect for natural law and the belief that families are the foundation of a resilient America. During an event last August at the Joyful Warriors Summit in Washington, I had the opportunity to speak with him on the campaign trail. Against a backdrop of patriotic anthems and spirited dancing, I raised concerns about parents being labeled as domestic terrorists for inquiring about their children’s education. His commitment was unwavering; he vowed to put an end to such stigmatization from day one of his administration. True to this promise, President Trump has empowered parents, championing initiatives that advocate for school choice, allowing families to select the educational institutions that best suit their children rather than what the government prescribes. His actions have sought to ensure that Washington refrains from intruding on familial affairs, upholding parental authority to pass on essential values and beliefs without unwarranted interference from educational bodies. Furthermore, his leadership through the Make America Healthy Again initiative aims to combat chronic childhood disease, providing parents with resources and support necessary to protect their children’s health from preventable conditions. Following in the footsteps of John Adams, who recognized parental influence as vital to national morality, Trump’s policies—from reducing bureaucratic constraints in education to endorsing family-oriented tax benefits—reflect the importance of parental rights. When governmental entities attempt to undermine parental roles, Trump’s response is clear: he stands unwaveringly in support of families.

Parental Rights Come with Responsibilities

Parental rights are intertwined with profound responsibilities. It is not solely about the freedom to raise children; it encompasses the obligation to prepare them for life’s challenges and make critical decisions regarding their education, values, and well-being. Locke and the Founders believed these duties are inherent and inscribed in our hearts, not granted by statutes. The Pierce ruling fortifies these responsibilities, ensuring parents can impart wisdom and guidance to their children. A favorable outcome in Mahmoud v. Taylor regarding opt-out provisions would further confirm these rights, empowering parents to safeguard their children’s moral and religious upbringing. This case represents a pivotal opportunity to reinforce that educational institutions and officials must respect parental authority concerning their children’s education.

The Importance of Strong Families

Why do these rights matter so significantly? Strong families serve as the backbone of a robust America. When parents have the liberty to nurture their children according to their values, communities thrive, and children emerge equipped to lead. Conversely, when government overreach intervenes, imposing rules or ideologies that exclude parental involvement, it undermines the freedoms that the Founding Fathers championed. The Pierce decision successfully halted such encroachments a century ago, while Trump’s ongoing fight for parental rights continues to uphold that spirit, ensuring parents remain influential in their children’s lives amidst a landscape that can often drown out their voices. His broader vision, encompassing tax reforms that allow families to retain their hard-earned income, the protection of faith-based organizations, demands for transparency in education, and empowering initiatives like Make America Healthy Again, demonstrate his understanding of the vital role families play in the nation’s strength.

A Call to Action for Families

As we commemorate the centenary of Pierce v. Society of Sisters, let us honor the Founders’ commitment to the family as a sacred institution and acknowledge President Trump’s dedication to prioritizing parents. This includes his work to ensure that children grow up healthy and shielded from chronic illnesses. Let us raise our glasses in our kitchens, the heart of family life, and pledge to advocate for a future where every parent possesses the freedom to guide their children’s lives purposefully. When parents are empowered to take charge, the future of America glimmers with promise.