CLASS Act Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems Act
Impact
The enactment of HB 5567 would significantly impact state laws concerning educational funding and governance. By prohibiting financial dealings with specified foreign governments, especially China, the bill aims to protect schools from potential ideological influence and ensure that taxpayer money is not used to support foreign interests. Additionally, the strict disclosure requirements may lead to heightened scrutiny of school funding sources, potentially discouraging some forms of foreign investment or partnerships in educational initiatives.
Summary
House Bill 5567, also known as the CLASS Act, aims to prohibit public elementary and secondary schools from accepting funds or entering into contracts with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. This bill establishes disclosure requirements for schools receiving federal financial assistance, mandating them to report any foreign funding over $10,000 to the Secretary of Education. The bill reflects growing concerns regarding the influence of foreign entities in American education and aims to increase transparency about such financial relationships.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 5567 can be described as largely supportive among those expressing concerns about foreign influence in education, particularly from Republican lawmakers and conservative advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard American educational institutions from misleading narratives and foreign propaganda. Conversely, opponents, including some educators and education advocacy groups, express worry that the bill could restrict beneficial international partnerships and diminish funding opportunities for schools that could benefit from foreign collaborations.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions around HB 5567 focus on its implications for educational partnerships and the potential overreach of governmental oversight in local school funding decisions. Critics emphasize that banning contracts and funding from China may overlook the positive aspects of international collaboration in education. Furthermore, they argue that the bill imposes unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on schools, which may already be struggling with limited resources and funding. Thus, the discussions encapsulate a wider debate about national security versus educational opportunity.
Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems Act or the CLASS ActThis bill prohibits public elementary and secondary schools, as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, from accepting funds from or entering into a contract with the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or any individual or entity acting on behalf of the Chinese government or the CCP. The bill also requires schools to disclose funding from or contracts with a foreign source to the Department of Education.
A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.
Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids Act or the PROTECT Our Kids ActThis bill prohibits federal education funding for any elementary or secondary school that directly or indirectly receives support from the Chinese government.Specifically, the bill prohibits such funding for any school that (1) has a partnership in effect with a cultural or language institute funded by the Chinese government, including a Confucius Institute; (2) operates a learning center supported by the Chinese government (commonly referred to as a Confucius Classroom); or (3) receives support from an individual or entity acting on behalf of the Chinese government, including support in the form of teaching materials, personnel, funds, or other resources. However, the Department of Education (ED) may issue a waiver of the prohibition if a school has an existing contract with one of these entities and the school demonstrates that the contract is for the benefit of the school and promotes the security, stability, and economy of the United States.The bill directs ED to provide notice of the bill's requirements to schools, as well as guidance for achieving compliance with the requirements.