Missouri House Bill HB2132

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/6/22
• Report Pass: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22

Caption

Prohibits state mandated tests in public schools from including questions on certain discriminatory topics, concepts, or ideas

Impact

The enactment of HB2132 is expected to significantly impact public education within Missouri by reshaping the content of statewide standardized testing. The legislation is designed to reinforce a particular perspective on race and gender topics, potentially influencing how educators approach these issues in their curriculums. Proponents of the bill argue it will prevent the indoctrination of students with what they consider divisive concepts that align with Critical Race Theory. This adjustment could lead to more uniformity in the content assessed statewide, aiming for an educational environment that emphasizes neutrality on controversial subjects.

Summary

House Bill 2132 seeks to amend Missouri's education statutes by prohibiting state-mandated tests in public schools from including questions or statements that promote certain discriminatory concepts related to race and gender. More specifically, the bill outlines a list of ideas that cannot be represented in any statewide assessments. These include suggestions of inherent superiority based on race or sex, claims of inherent racism or sexism, and notions that meritocracy or a strong work ethic might be racially biased. The bill's intention is to create a standardized testing environment that refrains from addressing divisive topics in educational assessments.

Contention

The bill is anticipated to spark significant debate among educators, lawmakers, and advocates for various civil rights groups. While supporters argue it will protect students from uncomfortable discussions rooted in historical injustices and their relevance in contemporary society, critics view it as an attempt to silence discussions around systemic bias and oppression. This contention revolves around the notion of whether preventing such ideas in education constrains the ability of students to engage critically with important sociocultural topics. The implications of such a bill thus reflect larger national conversations about educational content, freedom of speech, and the role of education in discussing race and gender issues.