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.
-
Indiana lawmakers eliminate Housing First Program funding
Indiana lawmakers eliminated funding for the Housing First program, a decision that will affect organizations dedicated to providing housing for those in need.
IndyGo says cameras could soon be coming to bus stops and nearby intersections
As the City of Indianapolis continues to invest in pedestrian safety, cameras could soon come to IndyGo buses and nearby intersections.
Impacts of defaulting on your student loans, collection resumes May 5th
Starting May 5th the U.S. Department of Education will start collecting on student loans that are in default.
Faith leaders discuss ways to stop suicides in Black community
More that 400 Black Hoosiers have died by suicide since 2018. Some Black faith leaders are now making mental health a priority in their community.
