INDIANAPOLIS — An amended version of House Bill 1134, a controversial bill aimed at restricting curricula in Indiana schools, passed in a House committee Wednesday, bringing it one step closer to becoming state law.
The House education and career development Committee passed the bill 8-5 Wednesday.
It will now go to the state Senate.
The bill seeks to limit what teachers can and cannot say about race, history and politics in classrooms and has prompted widespread criticism from Indiana educators.
MORE | Scaled-back version of Indiana school curricula bill moves forward
"Hoosier educators, parents, students and others, from a broad cross-section of the state, made it clear in testimony and in their conversations with legislators that this bill is not necessary and will divide communities, as well as parent-teacher partnerships," the Indiana State Teacher's Association said in a statement Wednesday.
"The foundations of this bill remain grounded on a false narrative that teachers can’t be trusted. ISTA will continue to stand with the vast majority of Hoosiers to defeat this bill.”
Last Wednesday, the Senate education committee adopted an amendment that significantly scales back what was originally in the bill.
MORE | Statehouse Roundup: school curricula, transgender girl sports participation bills advance in Senate
Educators, students and concerned Hoosiers waited outside the Senate chambers to testify.
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.
-
University of Indianapolis launches new Behavioral Health Trauma certificate
The certificate specifically focuses on mental health professionals who plan to provide trauma counseling. It is obtained after three courses and nine total credit hours.
Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson team up to give Colts offense a jolt of energy
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs welcomed last week's announcement that Anthony Richardson would return as Indy's starting quarterback.
Barrett scores season-high 39 as Raptors snap losing streak, beat Pacers 130-119
Benedict Mathurin scored 17 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Pascal Siakam had 25 points and 10 rebounds against his former team as the Pacers lost for the third time in four games.
New era of college football could help other teams replicate Indiana's rise
Indiana has made the type of turnaround that had only happened once before at the power-conference level over the last decade.
