Controversial School Education Bill Dies in the Senate

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 11:45 AM

The legislation did not move forward to the Senate floor on Monday.

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INDIANAPOLIS - A controversial education bill is dead.

A watered-down House Bill 1134 was essentially killed off after the bill did not move forward to the Senate floor on Monday.

The legislation would have restricted what could be said within public school classrooms, regarding "divisive concepts" related to race, gender, and religion.

Senate Republicans said there was simply not enough support for the bill to move forward.

While bills that don't advance this week are likely to die, the Indiana State Teachers Association cautioned that components of the bill could return while also celebrating the happenings on Monday.

“Thanks to educators, parents, community members and a broad coalition of Hoosiers who made their voices heard that HB 1134 has no place in Indiana.

Over the past several weeks, ISTA members and public education advocates have shared their stories and voiced their concerns about stifling teachers’ ability to teach and students ability to receive an honest education. Hoosier parents and educators all want our students to succeed, and we’ll continue to be partners in standing up for what’s right for their future.

Components of this bill could return during conference committee, so we’ll stay vigilant, but we hope lawmakers will take this opportunity to step back and collaborate with educators, parents, and others to create legislation that everyone can support for the benefit of all of our students.”