Michigan Employers May Be Required To Give Parents Time Off For Their Kids’ School Activities

Parental involvement is an important part of every child's education.  Participating in school activities, such as parent-teacher conferences, can help parents better understand the most effective ways to help their child succeed in school.  But working parents often have difficulty making it to school activities.

This week, legislation was introduced in Michigan which would require employers to give unpaid time off to parents to allow them to attend school activities. 

The bill, called the Family Education Leave Act, would require employers to give employees up to 8 hours of unpaid time off per year to attend school activities.  According to WZZM, 12 other states currently have a similar law.

Is it fair to require employers to provide this time off?  There are other options.

Parent-teacher conferences could be offered on more days and times, even weekends.  Telephones and webcams could be utilized more.  Parents who have available vacation and personal days could use them to attend activities at school.

Many of the above options are already being used by dedicated parents and teachers.  I've seen and experienced it firsthand.  And even without the Family Education Leave Act, many employers are already giving employees time off when needed.

Is the Family Education Leave Act a necessity?  Or is it a convenience?

Do you support the Family Education Leave Act?