Postsecondary educational institutions; require 50% in-person instruction as condition of receiving legislative appropriation.
Impact
The enactment of HB 412 significantly affects how institutions of higher education structure their curricula and delivery of education. Each public institution must strategically develop and implement plans to ensure compliance with the in-person instruction requirement. Non-compliance will lead to punitive measures, including the withholding or withdrawal of state funding, thereby directly impacting the financial stability of the institutions. This law thus not only influences educational practices but also poses financial risks for institutions that fail to adapt.
Summary
House Bill 412 mandates that all public postsecondary educational institutions in Mississippi must provide a minimum of 50% in-person instruction as a condition to receive state funding through legislative appropriations. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that students engage with their courses and instructors in a physical classroom setting, promoting a return to traditional educational methods following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill outlines that institutions need to prepare and submit a detailed reopening plan that adheres to safety protocols and accreditation standards.
Contention
However, the bill's requirement for a substantial amount of in-person instruction raises concerns among educational institutions regarding operational feasibility amidst ongoing health considerations. Institutions may struggle to balance safety protocols for students and staff with the legislative demands for in-person engagement. Critics argue that imposing such strict conditions for funding neglects the reality that many students may benefit from or prefer online or hybrid education models, leading to a potential divide in access to educational opportunities.