2021 House Bill 5097

Prohibit public schools from promoting race or gender stereotyping (Critical Race Theory)

Introduced in the House

June 23, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-83)

To prohibit public schools from teaching that because of their race or gender individuals comprising a racial or ethnic group or gender all act in certain ways, hold certain opinions, are born racist or sexist, bear collective guilt for historical wrongs, or regard race or gender as a better predictor of outcome than character, work ethic, or skills. Also, to ban teaching that the cultural norms or practices of a racial or ethnic group or gender are flawed and must be eliminated or changed to conform; that racism (or sexism) is inherent in individuals from a particular race or ethnic group (or gender); that a racial or ethnic group or gender is in need of deconstruction, elimination, or criticism; or that the actions of some individuals serve as an indictment against their race or gender.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Sept. 28, 2021

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Nov. 2, 2021

Amendment offered by Rep. Jim Lilly (R-89)

To remove from the proposed definition of "race or gender stereotyping" an assertion that "race or gender is a better predictor of outcome than character, work ethic, or skills".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tenisha Yancey (D-1)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4412, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 4412 would require public schools to provide instruction at all grade levels in African-American history, following lesson plans prescribed by specified interest groups and academic institutions.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Tenisha Yancey (D-1)

To adopt an (unpublished) version of the bill that reflects Democratic caucus preferences.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Ryan Berman (R-39)

To clarify that schools are prohibited from <i>promoting</i> any form of race or gender stereotyping or anything that could be understood as implicit race or gender stereotyping.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 55 to 0 (details)

To prohibit public schools from promoting "any form of race or gender stereotyping." This is defined in the bill the following "set of statements, beliefs, or ideas," which are that because of their race or gender, "individuals comprising a racial or ethnic group or gender all act in certain ways, hold certain opinions, are born racist or sexist, bear collective guilt for historical wrongs." Also, to ban promoting that the cultural norms or practices of a racial or ethnic group or gender are flawed and must be eliminated or changed to conform; that racism (or sexism) is inherent in individuals from a particular race or ethnic group (or gender); that a racial or ethnic group or gender is in need of deconstruction, elimination, or criticism; or that the actions of some individuals serve as an indictment against their race or gender.

Received in the Senate

Nov. 3, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Education and Career Readiness

June 8, 2022

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.