Indiana House Bill HB1228

Indiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22

Caption

Education matters.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1228 would significantly alter the landscape of education in Indiana regarding how issues of race and sex are approached within the school curriculum. By prohibiting discussions or teachings that may imply any inherent racial or sexual biases, the bill aims to eliminate certain pedagogical approaches currently being debated across the country. Supporters argue that it protects students and parents from exposure to controversial viewpoints, while opponents contend that it could hinder critical discussions on social justice and equality, ultimately limiting students' understanding of these significant societal issues.

Summary

House Bill 1228 addresses various education matters through the amendment of Indiana's educational statutes. The bill mandates that no school corporation or charter school can require the inclusion of specific concepts related to race or sex in its courses. Furthermore, it prohibits any mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling for students enrolled in state educational institutions. The bill also stipulates that students must not be subjected to mandatory personal analyses or surveys reflecting their attitudes towards sensitive topics without prior consent, enhancing parental oversight and control over student participation in these activities.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding HB 1228 include its restrictive nature on educational content concerning race and gender. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard students from potentially divisive concepts, while critics view it as an attempt to whitewash historical and ongoing injustices. There are concerns that such limitations could result in an incomplete education for students, equipping them with inadequate frameworks for understanding diversity and inclusivity in modern society. As debates continue, the bill's future may hinge on public opinion concerning the balance between educational freedom and parental rights.