Staff Reports
On Tuesday afternoon, the Arkansas State Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the School Choice bill, also known as "Arkansas LEARNS" or Senate Bill 294, with a 26-8 vote. Governor Sarah Sanders is expected to sign the bill into law. The primary aim of the bill is to safeguard Arkansas students from being indoctrinated by Critical Race Theory, which is being promoted by the Biden Administration's Department of Education.
🚨 My education plan just PASSED WITH OVERWHELMING SUPPORT: 78-21 in the House and 26-8 in the Senate.
A HISTORIC WIN for parents, teachers, and students that will set the education model for the nation, I’m ready to sign it into law tomorrow and end the failed status quo.…
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 7, 2023
In the press release issued by Sanders' team, the specifics of "Arkansas LEARNS" are elaborated upon, highlighting the provision that prohibits the teaching of Critical Race Theory in Arkansas. According to the press release, the Department of Education under President Biden is using national guidelines and funding programs to compel school districts to adopt fundamental principles of Critical Race Theory. This encompasses the Abolitionist Teaching Network's work and certain aspects of the recently proposed priorities in American History and Civics Education.
“The Arkansas LEARNS bill supports education opportunity for ALL students.
As public school parents, we are excited about this bill – lifting children out of situations that don’t suit their needs and empowering parents to choose the best education path.” #ArkansasLEARNS pic.twitter.com/HHqeSEK6on
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 1, 2023
Sarah Sanders to Combat Liberal Agenda and Critical Race Theory in Explosive New School Education Plan https://t.co/aHlqYC8k1U
— Patriot911 (@Patriot911News) March 8, 2023
The bill in question also tackles apprehensions that the reforms will abolish the teacher pay scale and discourage educators from seeking additional education. Additionally, it is feared that the cost to taxpayers will be excessive, that mandatory government-run pre-k will be imposed on all children, and that it will further contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. The article contends that the proposed plan is impartial towards sexual minorities, will not unjustly give new teachers greater salary increments than seasoned educators, will not financially burden taxpayers with paid maternity leave, and will provide safeguards against unfair termination of teachers.
With a 26-8 vote, the conservative Republican-controlled Arkansas State Legislature has approved the School Choice bill, also referred to as "Arkansas LEARNS" or Senate Bill 294. Governor Sarah Sanders is expected to sign the bill into law, marking a significant development in safeguarding Arkansas students against the indoctrination of Critical Race Theory, which is being advanced by the Department of Education under President Biden's administration.
In the statement released by Sanders' team, the intricacies of "Arkansas LEARNS" are laid out, emphasizing the stance that Critical Race Theory should not be taught in Arkansas. The press release further asserts that the Department of Education under President Biden is utilizing national guidelines and funding programs to compel school districts to adopt crucial principles of Critical Race Theory, including contributions from the Abolitionist Teaching Network and certain aspects of the recently proposed American History and Civics Education priorities.
The passage of this bill is a notable manifestation of conservative values in practice. It signifies a significant advancement in shielding our youth from the hazardous indoctrination of Critical Race Theory and other progressive doctrines. Furthermore, it guarantees equitable compensation for our educators and protects our taxpayers from undue financial strain. Additionally, it guarantees access to top-notch education that equips our children for success in their future endeavors.
Furthermore, this bill does not discriminate against sexual minorities, does not give new teachers a bigger pay bump than veteran teachers, does not cost taxpayers too much for paid maternity leave, and does not leave teachers without protection from unjust firing. This bill is a great example of conservative values in action and is a victory for parents, teachers, and students alike.
