Sen. Bill Cunningham | senatorbillcunningham.com
Sen. Bill Cunningham | senatorbillcunningham.com
Critics argue an amendment being proposed by the Illinois State Board of Education would introduce elements such as critical race Theory and Equity training into classrooms across the state.
The members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules will vote on the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning amendment.
Among the amendment’s provisions are those compelling teachers to adopt certain viewpoints.
“Embrace and encourage progressive viewpoints and perspectives that leverage asset thinking toward traditionally marginalized populations,” the amendment reads regarding requirements for teachers.
Agreement with the language would be required for teachers to be licensed in the state.
Several religious organizations oppose the amendment, saying that it doesn’t give teachers the right to free exercise of religion.
The Illinois Family Institute has questioned the amendment’s constitutionality given it requires teachers to adopt political viewpoints.
The Cultural Competency Standards, which include Critical Race Theory, were developed more than a decade ago in Washington State.
Critics of Critical Race Theory argue the concept is inherently racist against the white demographic.
The standards were purportedly created to help educators to have more competency when it comes to different cultures.
There are several components to Washington’s law, like social justice, civil rights, human rights, safe schools, social advantages, religion/spirituality, understanding culture and identity, culturally responsive classroom, curriculum and language.
Illinois’ law is much of the same. Illinois’ amendment would not allow teachers to opt out.
It would require that in order to obtain a teaching license in the state, teachers must teach what critics of the amendment call progressive values.
The committee will meet on Dec. 15 to vote on the amendment.
The Illinois Family Institute has encouraged Illinois residents to contact committee members.
Committee members include:
- Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago (Co-Chairman)
- Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island
- Kimberly Lightford, D-Hillside
- Fran Hurley, D-Chicago
- Tony Muñoz, D-Chicago
- Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago
- Sue Rezin, R-Morris
- Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo
- Tom Demmer, R-Dixon
- Steve Reick, R-Woodstock
- Keith Wheeler, R-North Aurora (Co-Chairman)
- John Curran, R-Lemont
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