INDIANAPOLIS — A rolled-back version of a bill aimed at restricting what teachers can and cannot say about race, history and politics in classrooms has been adopted by the Senate education committee.
It comes after public outrage and criticism from Indiana educators.
The committee adopted significant changes that watered down much of what was in House Bill 1134, the Associated Press reports.
A hearing on the bill ended around 6:35 p.m., while educators, students and concerned Hoosiers waited outside the Senate chambers to testify.
MORE | Bill banning transgender girls from playing school sports in Indiana passes Senate committee
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.
Not all who signed up to testify got a chance to speak at the podium.
Raatz said he tried to randomly pick names from the list to “get a good mix” and include students.
Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis said there’s bipartisan opposition to the bill and pointed out some of the original language that is still included in the amendment. He said he will continue working with the committee on the bill.
MORE | Southside Indianapolis homeless camp cleared after orders by INDOT
The amendment to the bill will be brought back up by the committee next Wednesday.
Sen. Linda Rogers R,-Grangers, who introduced the amendments, said the bill is still a work in progress. She suggested including a portion addressing mental health and asked lawmakers to bring their constructive criticism to her.
The bill is authored by Rep. Anthony Cook, R-Cicero, co-authored by Reps. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City and Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville and Sponsored by Sen. Rogers.
-
Shooting in Fountain Square leaves 1 critically injured
One person is in critical condition after being shot at Virginia Avenue and Shelby Street on Sunday afternoon.One shot, killed on Indy’s northwest side
Police are investigating after one person was shot and killed on the north west side of Indianapolis Saturday night.Hart, Anunoby listed as questionable to play for Knicks against the Pacers
Starting forwards Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are both listed as questionable to play for the New York Knicks on Sunday in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers.Greenfield anti-bullying rally pushes for change following death of 10-year-old
As the community mourns, they're also pushing for change and enforcement of the district's anti-bullying policy in place.