Tess Sumner is a student at Newfound Regional High School.

On March 6, the New Hampshire Senate passed a so-called “Parental Bill of Rights,” Senate Bill 72, a law that claims to empower parents but will actually endanger students — especially students who need school to be a safe haven.

As a high school student, I see the real consequences of laws like this. This bill isn’t about protecting kids; it’s about giving politicians more control over our education and forcing schools to out students who may not be safe at home.

This bill will require schools to disclose all student records to parents, including medical information. While that might sound harmless, this legislation could force teachers and school staff to reveal a student’s gender identity, sexual orientation or even mental health struggles, regardless of whether or not that student is ready to share. LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, face an increased risk of homelessness and abuse when they are outed to unsupportive families.

For many students, school is the one place where they feel seen, supported, and safe. This bill strips that away.

The bill’s supporters argue that parents have a right to know everything about their children. But what about a child’s right to safety? The bill states that schools can only withhold information if there is “clear and convincing evidence” of abuse. This is a far higher standard than what child protective services typically require. This means students could be forced back into unsafe situations because the legal burden is simply too high.

Beyond the risks to vulnerable students, SB 72 also allows parents to opt their children out of important parts of their education, including sex education and even statewide assessments. This weakens our education system by letting personal beliefs override evidence-based curriculum. Schools exist to prepare us for the real world, not to cater to the political whims of a vocal minority.

When similar bills were proposed in the past, students, teachers and advocacy groups spoke out against them. We’ve already told lawmakers what this means for us. We’ve warned them about the harm this will cause. They have ignored us.

Now, the bill moves to the House, where it has a strong chance of passing. But there is still time to fight back. Students, teachers and allies must come together to demand that our right to safety and autonomy is respected.

Schools should be places of learning and growth — not political battlegrounds. New Hampshire’s students deserve better.