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Kansas hearing debates requirement for K–12 instruction on communism and a 100‑question civics exam for graduation
Summary
A Senate Education Committee hearing on SB 381 featured proponents urging a statewide civics exam and State Board‑developed curriculum about communist and socialist regimes; opponents warned the measure intrudes on local control and creates a new high‑stakes graduation barrier.
Tamara Lawrence, the committee reviser, opened the hearing on Senate Bill 381 by summarizing the bill’s two central provisions: direct the State Board of Education to develop age‑ and developmentally‑appropriate K–12 curriculum and materials about communist and socialist regimes and ideologies, and require students who enroll in ninth grade on or after July 1, 2026, to pass a 100‑question American civics examination (substantially similar to U.S. naturalization questions) to be certified as having completed the course requirements necessary for high‑school graduation.
Proponents told the committee the measure addresses gaps in civic knowledge. Senator Brad Starnes said national data show low civic literacy and argued the bill introduces…
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