House GOP Passes Bill to Restrict Educators as a Condition of Funding Education

On Thursday, the House GOP passed a bill to discourage educators from teaching anything in relation to “social justice,” as a way to pacify far-right legislators, who have held both the public and higher education budgets hostage due to unfounded concerns over curricula in Idaho schools.

House Bill 377 was opposed by all Democrats, and passed along party lines, 57-12. The legislation seeks to dictate teachers’ lesson plans and methodology on certain topics such as racism and sexism — themes that arise throughout when discussing the United States’ history. 

Proponents of the bill are using the legislation as a condition for passing various education budgets, said House Democratic Caucus Chair Sally Toone, who sits on the House Education Committee, which fast-tracked HB 377 to the floor. Far-right legislators have killed several budgets over unfounded claims that Idaho teachers are attempting to indoctrinate students through these kinds of concepts, leading to the creation of HB 377.

“I am very concerned about the direction the Legislature has taken toward education, and our educators.  Our schools — at all levels — are the heart of our communities. Funding education should not be made contingent on restricting academic freedom.  The first amendment protects students, teachers, and schools; this is not needed,” Toone, a certified teacher for four decades, said following the vote.

“This bill will have a chilling effect on free speech in the classroom, and make educators fearful of discussions about history, sexism, and racism,” House Assistant Democratic Leader Lauren Necochea said. “These discussions are critical to students’ development of critical thinking skills and their accurate understanding of our history and current events.”