INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A top Republican Indiana legislator on education policy has apologized for comments suggesting Black students don’t perform better academically because they lack “respect for learning.”
House Education Committee Chairman Bob Behning of Indianapolis made the remark last week while pointing out that just 30 out of 1,000 Black students in the Indianapolis Public Schools system passed both the English and math portions of the state’s ILEARN standardized exam last year.
He said many factors could be involved, saying “poverty impacts that for sure, having a respect for learning." Behning apologized Monday in a statement to The Indianapolis Star. A leader of the Indianapolis Urban League called the remark “offensive.”
Latest Stories
-
Corn knee high by the Fourth of July might mean you are behind schedule
If you live in Indiana, you've heard the saying "knee high by the Fourth of July" relating to corn height. Does this saying actually guarantee a successful harvest in the fall?Group behind No Kings protest hosts Independence Day cookout at Garfield Park
A group in Garfield Park used the day to discuss how they would improve America over burgers and hot dogs.One dead, another critically injured from shooting at Eagle Creek Park
According to police, officers located two victims, identified as adult males, near the water at the 7100 block of Lafayette Road near Traders Lane, just before 8 p.m.Indy family urges caution against celebratory gunfire this 4th of July
As Indianapolis prepares for its holiday festivities, officials are urging the community to be responsible gun owners and to keep celebrations safe and enjoyable for all.