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Representative Johnson questions focus on communism in proposed curriculum guidance
Summary
During committee debate on House Bill 1805, Representative Johnson asked why the sponsor singled out communism rather than treating multiple forms of government equivalently, and questioned whether the bill would require more instructional time.
Representative Johnson pressed the sponsor on why HB 1805 emphasizes the history of communism rather than treating multiple regimes equally in social studies instruction.
Johnson told the committee, "you didn't mention fascism or monarchies or any other type of form of government." She also asked whether the bill would require more classroom time and argued that teachers already follow standards and textbooks covering different governmental systems "throughout" students' education.
Representative Barrett responded that the measure is meant to ensure "uniformity across the state" in how communism is taught and to honor victims of communist regimes so that students develop historical and civic literacy. Barrett said the bill is intended to be "additive," not to exclude coverage of other negatively impactful regimes: "No, mister chairman. This would be additive, not not taken away from any other type of, negatively impactful regime that may have may be out there."
Although objections were recorded, the committee voted to advance the bill to the full Education Committee.
