Senate Education committee votes to print resolution backing PragerU Kids materials after brief debate

The Idaho Senate Education Committee voted to print Senate resolution RS 32072, which affirms legislative support for making PragerU Kids supplemental educational materials available to Idaho K–12 classrooms. The motion to print the resolution passed after committee discussion and one recorded “nay.”

Sen. Tammy Nichols, R–District 10, introduced RS 32072 and told the committee the resolution “affirms Idaho legislature support for the inclusion of PragerU kids supplemental education resources in Idaho public schools.” She described the materials as free, optional, online resources that “reinforce key academic subjects and promote civic awareness, personal responsibility, and critical thinking” and said they have been “adopted in 9 states, including Idaho,” according to her remarks.

The resolution, Nichols said, is intended to recognize the availability of those supplemental materials and to show legislative support for providing teachers, parents and students with additional tools. Nichols cited an Idaho Department of Education press release dated 10/24/2024 and read from it: “Offering Idaho districts and charters supplementary options that work in their classroom means making a variety of resources available for use and is work we have engaged in for nearly 2 years. Local boards choose educational materials that are right for their schools and communities, and this option from PragerU Kids is another way for school leaders to make informed decisions as they seek ways to best support student learning.”

Committee members asked questions about review and accuracy. Sen. Ward Engelking said he had read criticisms that PragerU “has been accused of promoting fascism, racism, sexism, and anti LGBTQ politics,” and that historians and political scientists have criticized some videos for “containing misleading or inaccurate claims about topics such as slavery and racism in The United States and even immigration.” Sen. Nichols responded that the materials are supplemental and optional, that she had spoken with Superintendent Critchfield and the Idaho Department of Education had reviewed portions of the materials and “found that it was a good fit for Idaho,” and that local districts would make final decisions about classroom use.

Sen. Semaroff (name as spoken in committee) asked whether the materials were created by trained educators and what review processes verified factual accuracy and objectivity; Nichols said supplemental materials do not go through the same formal adoption process as required curricula but that department staff had reviewed the resources. Sen. Zito asked whether the State Department of Education had approved the materials for classroom use; Nichols replied that the Idaho Department of Education had given its approval for use in the state.

Sen. Woodward moved to print RS 32072. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; one committee member recorded a “nay” and asked to have that vote recorded. The committee had previously moved, by unanimous consent, to print the other routing slips on the agenda while reserving RS 32072 for separate consideration.

The committee did not amend RS 32072 during the meeting. Committee members said they would review materials themselves before final Senate floor consideration; several speakers emphasized that the resources are optional and that local school boards and districts retain authority to choose materials for classrooms.

The resolution will appear on the Senate floor as a printed routing slip for further consideration.