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
-
Hancock County honors Black businessman who broke barriers in the 1860s
A historical marker will soon be installed in downtown Greenfield to honor George Knox, a prominent Black businessman whose legacy has shaped Hancock County and the state of Indiana.
AES Indiana's parent company agrees to be sold, will go private
The parent company of AES Indiana is being sold to a group of private investors. Locally, the company says customers shouldn't expect major changes.
Woman dies after being shot on Indy's near southwest side
A woman is dead after she was shot early Monday morning on Indianapolis' near southwest side, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
6 US service members killed as Iran conflict intensifies
At least four American soldiers have died as the war in the Middle East intensified over the weekend and Iran and its proxy forces launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and Arab states.
