Missouri Senate Bill SB638

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Creates provisions related to curricula and instruction in public schools

Impact

Should SB638 be enacted, it would significantly influence educational practices and curriculum development in public schools across Missouri. Schools would be required to refrain from incorporating ideas that might be classified as divisive, which could reshape not only the way history and social studies are taught but also affect educational resources, training for teachers, and the overall discourse around race and identity in educational settings. The state board of education would adopt policies aligned with this legislation to ensure compliance at all levels of public schooling.

Summary

Senate Bill 638 aims to amend chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing an explicit prohibition on the promotion or teaching of 'divisive concepts' within public school curricula. The bill outlines a list of these concepts, which include assertions of inherent superiority based on race or sex, and beliefs regarding the systemic nature of racism and sexism in the United States. This legislative measure reflects a growing trend in various states to regulate educational content concerning race and gender issues in schools.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers, educators, and civil rights advocates. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to maintain a neutral educational environment that avoids imposing specific ideological perspectives on students. Conversely, critics contend that the bill may stifle important discussions about racial and social justice, limiting students' understanding of historical inequalities and undermining efforts to address systemic bias. The larger implication of this bill touches on the broader national conversation regarding how race and gender are taught in schools.