Committee approves ban on World Economic Forum curriculum materials after split vote

The House Education Committee voted 10–8 on Jan. 22 to approve HB1448, a bill that would prohibit the use of World Economic Forum curriculum materials in New Hampshire public schools.

Representative Belcher, the bill’s mover, argued the measure was necessary because the WEF’s publicly stated values “would seem to run counter to our form of government, our constitution, the nature of individual rights.”

Opponents cautioned that a broad ban could disrupt established student programs. "I think that, first of all, each school district should be able to determine for themselves what the most appropriate, materials and sources are," a dissenting representative said, warning that the change could make Model UN programs difficult to run.

Representative Balboni told the committee that more than 250 high school students in the state participate in Model UN and that banning materials tied to international organizations could unintentionally prevent participation in established competitions.

The committee debated whether the bill would actually prohibit United Nations materials and sought clarification; Representative Belcher emphasized the measure targets materials from the World Economic Forum specifically and does not ban UN curriculum.

With the 10–8 vote in committee, the bill advances according to House procedures; members discussed whether to file a minority report. The committee’s discussion focused on balancing local control over instructional materials against concerns raised by proponents about the philosophical alignment of outside organizations with state constitutional principles.

Next steps: Committee reports will note the split vote and any minority report; further legislative action will depend on House scheduling and any floor consideration.