public schools
Arkansas LEARNS repeal group submits signatures but fears it fell short
A group seeking to repeal the LEARNS Act through a ballot referendum said they fell short of the 54,422 signatures needed by Monday to put the issue to voters in 2024. Still, Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students submitted the signatures and will await an official count from Secretary of State John Thurston. The […]
More states use taxpayer dollars to help people pay for private school
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which parents and educators reevaluated their relationship with public schools, lawmakers across the country have eagerly embraced state-funded voucher programs, giving public money to students to attend private schools. So far this year, at least 10 states have implemented or expanded programs for vouchers and other state […]
Pronoun restrictions in Arkansas schools head to Sanders’ desk
Arkansas public school teachers and professors will be required to use the pronouns and names students were assigned at birth, unless parents specifically allow them to do otherwise, if Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs House Bill 1468 into law. The Senate approved the bill along party lines Wednesday. It would require written permission from a […]
Arkansas governor signs law aimed at holding libraries accountable for ‘obscene’ material
The distribution of content by school and public libraries that community members consider “obscene” could lead to criminal liability for Arkansas librarians under a law Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Thursday. Senate Bill 81 adds the loaning of library materials to the statute governing the possession and distribution of obscene material. Arkansas’ definition of obscenity is […]
Proposed restrictions on transgender pronouns in Arkansas schools head to Senate floor
The Arkansas Senate will consider requiring public school teachers and professors to use the pronouns and names students were assigned at birth unless parents specifically allow them to do otherwise. House Bill 1468 would require written permission from a minor’s parent or guardian for school employees to use any “pronoun or title that is inconsistent” […]
Proposed ban on teachers using transgender pronouns heads to Arkansas Senate
The Arkansas House approved a bill Monday that would require school employees in Arkansas to address students and other employees by their given names and pronouns. House Bill 1468 would require written permission from a minor’s parent or guardian for school employees to use any “pronoun or title that is inconsistent” with the minor’s biological […]
Proposed law restricting school bathroom use will return to Arkansas House
A proposed law that would restrict bathroom use in Arkansas public and charter schools based on students’ gender assigned at birth passed the Senate with a 29-6 party-line vote Monday. House Bill 1156 would apply to multiple-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms, as well as rooms for students on overnight trips. It also requires schools to […]
Arkansas panel approves proposed ban on school employees using transgender individuals’ pronouns
A proposed law that would require school employees in Arkansas to address students and other employees by their given names and pronouns passed the House Education Committee on Thursday and will be heard by the full House. House Bill 1468 is meant to shield teachers and other school employees at all levels of public education […]
Arkansas committee approves amended bill to hold libraries accountable for ‘obscene’ material
A proposed Arkansas law that would open the door to criminal liability for the distribution of “obscene” content by school and public libraries passed a legislative panel and will go to the House floor after being amended. Senate Bill 81 would add the loaning of library materials to the statute governing the possession and distribution […]
Bill allowing malpractice suits for transgender minors’ health care goes to Sanders’ desk
A proposed law that would open the door for medical malpractice lawsuits against Arkansas doctors who provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors passed the House on Wednesday and will go to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ desk. Senate Bill 199 would create civil liability for a doctor who “performs a gender transition procedure on a minor […]
Arkansas committee rejects proposed law to hold libraries accountable for ‘obscene’ material
An Arkansas legislative panel on Tuesday rejected a proposed law that would have opened the door to criminal liability for the distribution of “obscene” content by school and public libraries. The House Judiciary Committee voted down Senate Bill 81 with a voice vote after three hours of discussion and testimony. The bill’s sponsors, Sen. Dan […]
Little Rock Central High students protest alumna Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ legislative agenda
More than 1,000 Little Rock Central High School students walked out of class Friday afternoon and gathered in front of the school, protesting Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ education agenda and her references to the school while promoting it. Students published an open letter to Sanders on Wednesday, stating that her approach to education policy is […]