SB 591
Prohibiting teaching of divisive acts and critical race theory in public schools
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits West Virginia public and charter schools from teaching or training students to believe certain ‘divisive concepts,’ which include ideas about inherent racial or gender superiority, systemic racism or sexism, and assigning responsibility for historical injustices based on race or sex. Teachers could face dismissal for violating this prohibition, though the bill allows for objective discussion of these concepts within academic instruction. The West Virginia State Board of Education will be responsible for creating rules to ensure compliance.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘divisive concepts’ as a range of ideas related to race, sex, and historical injustices.
- Prohibits public and charter schools from teaching or training students to believe these defined ‘divisive concepts.’
- Allows for the discussion of these concepts objectively within academic instruction.
- Provides for the potential dismissal of teachers who violate the prohibition.
- Authorizes the West Virginia State Board of Education to create implementing rules.
Who is affected
- Public school students
- Public charter school students
- West Virginia public school teachers
- West Virginia charter school teachers
- West Virginia State Board of Education
Notable changes
- Specifically prohibits the teaching of concepts related to systemic racism, sexism, and historical responsibility based on race or sex.
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