Missouri Senate Advances ‘Parents Bill Of Rights’ With Less Focus On CRT

Missouri Senate Advances ‘Parents Bill of Rights’ With Less Focus on CRT

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After a series of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the Missouri Senate has given its initial approval to a bill that includes a diluted version of the Republican-backed ban on "critical race theory." Nevertheless, Democrats remain unconvinced, arguing that the bill still poses a threat to struggling public schools. Senator Lauren Arthur, a Democrat from Kansas City, expressed her concerns and stated that those who benefit from the bill are individuals seeking to dismantle public schools.

The legislation aims to establish a statewide portal that will house curriculum materials and school financial information, as well as protect parental rights. It also seeks to ban certain race-related lessons and introduce a patriotism course for teachers. Republican Senator Andrew Koenig introduced a revised version of the bill, which includes provisions that expand transportation funding for magnet schools and prevent students from accessing inappropriate content on school-issued devices.

In spite of her reservations about the bill as a whole, Senator Arthur praised the 4% increase in funding for impoverished students that Senator Koenig included in the latest version. The bill also proposes a 15% increase in support for homeless children in a district, acknowledging the need for additional services for these students.

However, Senator Arthur expressed concerns regarding the potential administrative burden placed on teachers by some provisions in the bill. Given the severe shortages of teachers in many districts across the state, she emphasized that teachers are already struggling to find time for basic necessities like bathroom breaks.

As part of the "Parents Bill of Rights," the legislation would require teachers to make educational materials available to parents within two days if the materials are not copyrighted. Additionally, school staff would need to upload details of their professional development, third-party speakers, and a list of all required books for their courses.

Senator Karla May, a Democrat from St. Louis, expressed worries about the provision in the bill that prohibits certain lessons about race. She was among the Black senators who blocked the bill’s passage during the previous debate in the chamber. May argued that the provision hinders meaningful dialogue and restricts teachers’ ability to educate students about history and related topics.

The section in question aims to prevent educators from forcing teachers or students to endorse specific ideas about race. However, new additions to this provision clarify that teachers are still allowed to discuss current events within a historical context and explore ideas, as long as they make it clear that the school does not endorse any particular opinions.

The bill specifically states that the policy is violated when teachers suggest that individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior. Senator Koenig emphasized that his bill does not prohibit teaching about past instances where individuals were labeled as inferior. He simply wants to prevent the proclamation of such beliefs in the present.

Senator May argued that the bill walks a precarious line and expressed concerns about unintended consequences. She raised questions about how to handle situations where a student misinterprets something taught by a teacher and reports it to their parents. May even raised the possibility of needing recording devices in classrooms to address such situations.

In response, Senator Koenig explained that teachers have the right to appeal if parents accuse them of teaching something that violates the policy. According to the bill, parents who discover a teacher violating this section would be granted funds for their student’s educational expenses, paid by the district found to be in violation.

Only a few senators were present for the voice vote that granted initial approval to the bill. A roll-call vote is still needed to move the legislation forward to the House.

The Missouri Independent is a member of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus funded by grants and a coalition of donors serving as a public charity under section 501(c)(3). The Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. For inquiries, contact Editor Jason Hancock at info@missouriindependent.com. Follow the Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter.

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