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Committee advances bill clarifying religious expression and references to academic study of the Bible in schools
Summary
Lawmakers debated a bill to clarify students’ and employees’ religious‑expression rights and restate statute language about an academic study of the Bible; supporters said it clarifies existing rights, while critics warned of potential for off‑campus religious instruction.
The Senate Education Committee advanced a bill that reiterates existing law on religious expression in public schools and restates statutory language about offering an academic study of the Bible in secondary schools, prompting debate among senators and public witnesses over who would teach such a course and whether it risks mixing religion and public education.
A sponsor identified in the hearing as Senator Johnson told the committee the bill does not change Arkansas Code 6-16-145 and that “this bill does not at all amend any part of, Arkansas code 6 16 1 45.” He and others said the bill’s language was amended to clarify that required…
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