PEACE Act of 2023 Protect Equality And Civics Education Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, SB2468 would significantly shape the landscape of civics education in the United States by imposing strict limitations on curricula that could be funded through federal assistance. The bill defines divisive concepts extensively, including ideas that suggest inherent racial superiority or promote guilt based on an individual's race. This could lead to a reduction in certain educational subjects or the manner in which American history is taught, potentially impacting the overall educational framework and discourse surrounding race in schools.
Summary
SB2468, known as the Protect Equality And Civics Education Act of 2023 (PEACE Act), seeks to amend existing education funding laws by prohibiting the use of federal funds for American history and civics education programs that promote or compel divisive concepts. This legislation directly addresses provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and aims to clarify what constitutes a divisive concept, outlining specific notions such as race stereotyping and race scapegoating.
Contention
The proposed limitations on educational content are anticipated to spark considerable debate among educators, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Proponents of the bill argue that it promotes equality and prevents the teaching of ideologies that could foster division among students. Conversely, opponents may view this as an attempt to censor essential parts of history and civics education, particularly those related to systemic racism and social justice. The controversy is likely to focus on the balance between promoting a unified educational standard and allowing educators the freedom to provide a comprehensive understanding of American history.
Protect Equality And Civics Education Act of 2025 or the PEACE Act of 2025This bill prohibits the use of federal funding made available for the American History and Civics Education program to fund a curriculum, teaching, or counseling that promotes a divisive concept (e.g., race stereotyping or scapegoating) under the priorities noticed in the Department of Education's proposed rule titled Proposed Priorities-American History and Civics Education, published on April 19, 2021.