House committee advances ‘anti-racism bill’

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The House Education Committee had a vigorous debate Monday on the anti-racism bill. This is the same bill that died in the final hours of the 2022 legislative session.

According to the bill itself, Senate Bill 130, known as the Anti-Racism Act of 2023, prohibits teaching that one race is inherently, morally, or intellectually superior to another race, but nothing in the bill does not prohibit the discussion of these concepts in theory. as part of a university course.

Proponents of the bill say it provides protection for teachers, students and parents. Those against the bill say it inhibits open discussion and creates a chilling effect for teachers.

Of the. Patrick Lucas, R-Cabell, said he thinks the bill protects students, parents and teachers.

It prevents teachers, in the first place, from talking about it in a way that can spin things out of control, he said. And it also prevents teachers who might want to impose their ideals on students from doing so as well.

Del, Elliott Pritt, D-Fayette, voted no on the bill.

I voted against this law because there is too much ambiguity and it leaves the door open to punitive actions against teachers with very little recourse for them to defend themselves, he said. declared. It’s not well defined, and it becomes a problem.

The Anti-Racism Bill has passed the House Education Committee and is now moving to the House Judiciary Committee.

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