Cold War-era 'Teachers' Loyalty Law' voted down by New Hampshire House Education Committee - WMUR Manchester
CONCORD, N.H. —
State lawmakers voted against a bill influencing how teachers talk about race and racism in the classroom on Tuesday.
The legislation titled "An Act Relative to Teachers' Loyalty" would have updated a Cold War-era law banning educators from advocating for communism in schools and would have added restrictions on teaching topics like racism.
A sponsor said it was the wording, not the intent of the bill, that led to the decision.
"This bill as written, was very badly written, as you've heard me say before,” said Rep. Alicia Lekas, R-Hudson.
Lekas said there was confusion over the bill she sponsored.
"I just want it on the record that the title 'teachers loyalty' has to do with the section in law and not my title. There's been a lot of emails et cetera that we're trying to say that teachers aren't loyal, et cetera,” Lekas said. “It has nothing to do with that. That happened to be the title of the section that was already in law that was being amended.”
Lekas said those changes to the bill made it too different from what she first introduced.
"So, having a discussion on that on the day we have to have all of our bills is unreasonable,” Lekas said.
The bill would have prevented teachers from promoting a negative account or representation of the founding and history of the United States.
Supporters said slavery and racism are legitimate topics, but don't believe the country was founded on a basis of slavery or that the country is still a racist country or state.
Teachers unions came out against the bill saying educators would be scared to cover some topics, or will be silenced.
“Parents and teachers are working together for strong public schools, healthy classrooms, and an honest education. Everyday educators work with parents to make sure kids get the best education," said Megan Tuttle, NEA-New Hampshire President. "We don't need politicians in our classrooms. Today’s vote was a welcome acknowledgement of that.”
They said critical thinking wouldn't be allowed due to fear of getting reported.
Supporters of the bill said they'll bring it back next year.
Bills similar to this one are pending in other states.
source: https://www.wmur.com/article/teachers-loyalty-law-voted-down-new-hampshire-house-education-committee-3-8-22/39377551
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