PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota House lawmakers have reigned in proposals from Gov. Kristi Noem aimed at barring so-called “divisive” concepts about race, religion and national origin from elementary, high school and university classrooms.
They are still recommending that the state government restrict what is taught in schools.
Noem has touted the proposal as a way to “protect” students from critical race theory. But Republican lawmakers on the House Education committee made significant revisions to the bills Wednesday.
The changes stipulate how far the laws reach. But teachers and university students say it could still have a “chilling effect” on free discussion and academic freedom.
