INDIANAPOLIS — An amended version of House Bill 1134, a controversial bill aimed at restricting curricula in Indiana schools, passed in a House committee Wednesday, bringing it one step closer to becoming state law.
The House education and career development Committee passed the bill 8-5 Wednesday.
It will now go to the state Senate.
The bill seeks to limit what teachers can and cannot say about race, history and politics in classrooms and has prompted widespread criticism from Indiana educators.
MORE | Scaled-back version of Indiana school curricula bill moves forward
"Hoosier educators, parents, students and others, from a broad cross-section of the state, made it clear in testimony and in their conversations with legislators that this bill is not necessary and will divide communities, as well as parent-teacher partnerships," the Indiana State Teacher's Association said in a statement Wednesday.
"The foundations of this bill remain grounded on a false narrative that teachers can’t be trusted. ISTA will continue to stand with the vast majority of Hoosiers to defeat this bill.”
Last Wednesday, the Senate education committee adopted an amendment that significantly scales back what was originally in the bill.
MORE | Statehouse Roundup: school curricula, transgender girl sports participation bills advance in Senate
Educators, students and concerned Hoosiers waited outside the Senate chambers to testify.
Committee Chair Sen. Jeff Raatz said about 91% of those who signed up to testify were against the bill and its amendments. The rest were neutral or in support.
-
24-year-old man dies after east side shooting
A person has died after being shot on Indianapolis' east side on Thursday night, according to police.
New independent hotel on Bloomington's Kirkwood Avenue nearly ready to open
If you're planning to visit Bloomington and stay overnight, you will soon have a new option downtown that is not affiliated with any major hotel chains.
First-of-its-kind program gives free swim lessons to Lawrence students in school
‘Operation Water Safety,’ started by the MSD of Lawrence Townships, gets kids out of the classroom and brings them to the pool for hands-on water safety training.
Indy innovator's helmet design helps cochlear implant users
Ellie Howe is the founder of Deaf Lids, a patented modular foam inset for helmets designed to protect cochlear implants from damaging pressure or impact.
