Arkansas House Bill HB1736

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/4/23
• Refer: 4/4/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Require The Perils Of Communism And Autocratic Governments Be Taught In All Public Schools.

Vote

The bill was passed with considerable support, as reflected in the voting history where it received 69 votes in favor and 14 against during its third reading on April 4, 2023. This strong majority suggests a significant backing among lawmakers, indicating that the initiative had substantial political momentum and resonance with certain constituents.

Impact

This legislative proposal will have a significant impact on the state's education system by formally incorporating discussions of communism and autocratic governance into the school curriculum. The bill amends existing Arkansas educational codes to include lessons centered on the consequences of such political systems, thereby framing them as key historical concepts that students must understand. This change stands to reshape how students engage with political ideologies and their historical implications, potentially influencing societal perceptions of these forms of governance.

Summary

House Bill 1736 mandates the instruction of the perils of communism and autocratic governments in public schools throughout Arkansas, set to begin in the 2024-2025 academic year. The bill specifically aims to inform students about the historical and socio-economic consequences associated with communist regimes, including mass murder, oppression, economic collapses, and governance failures. The education provided will be based on curriculum frameworks developed by the State Board of Education, in collaboration with experts in the relevant fields.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the bill. Proponents argue that teaching about the perils of communism and autocratic governments is essential for fostering critical thinking and historical awareness among students. Critics, however, may view this as politicized education that could skew perspectives toward anti-communist narratives while neglecting other significant historical contexts. The approach to this educational content raises questions about bias and the role of public education in addressing complex political histories.