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
-
Fever fans are back: Indiana Fever begin preseason with overtime win
While Clark sat out Saturday due to a left leg injury, her presence was still felt, especially among fans who traveled hours just to be part of the moment.Silver Alert issued for missing 23-year-old from Tippecanoe County
Indiana State Police have issued a Silver Alert for 23-year-old Ethan Flynn, missing from Battle Ground, Indiana.Fever fans help "Pack the Plaza" with diapers to support families in need
The diaper drive, organized in partnership with Kroger and the Indiana Diaper Bank helped collect more than 1,500 diapers.Indiana Fever kick off 2025 preseason with victory over Washington Mystics
The Indiana Fever opened their 2025 preseason on a high note, edging out the Washington Mystics in a thrilling 79-74 overtime victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.