Missouri House Bill HB1634

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/6/22

Caption

Prohibits the use of any curriculum implementing critical race theory in the public schools and institutions of higher education of the state.

Impact

Should HB 1634 pass, its impact on state laws would be significant, particularly concerning the curricula adopted by local education agencies and higher education institutions. The bill empowers the state board of education to impose financial penalties, including the withholding of state funding, for non-compliance with these provisions. Educational institutions could face serious funding repercussions if they fail to cease the use of materials deemed as promoting critical race theory. This adds a layer of accountability and oversight to the previously autonomous curricula development process within schools and universities.

Summary

House Bill 1634 aims to prohibit the implementation of curricula that includes critical race theory in public schools and institutions of higher education in Missouri. The bill seeks to ensure that no educational entity funded by the state may teach or use any materials that introduce critical race theory concepts. It delineates specific programs and initiatives that are classified under this umbrella, including notable examples such as the 1619 Project and curricula developed by the Southern Poverty Law Center. This legislative effort comes in response to ongoing debates regarding the content of educational materials and their implications for students' understanding of race and equality in America.

Contention

The bill has engendered considerable debate among legislators and stakeholders, with strong divisions surfacing around issues of academic freedom and the ideological implications of limiting certain curricula. Proponents assert that the bill protects students from indoctrination and ensures that educational content remains within a framework deemed acceptable by state lawmakers. Conversely, opponents warn that the bill undermines educational diversity and intellectual freedom, asserting that it precludes necessary discussions surrounding race and systemic inequality that are critical for a comprehensive education. The debate reflects broader national conversations surrounding critical race theory and its place in the education system.