Suzanne Gallagher, executive director of Parents’ Rights in Education, was among the vehement opposition to Senate Bill 1583 before the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. She called the bill an attempt to take local control away from school boards. The bill’s supporters say the bill would not change anything for local authorities. (Photo by Jake Arnold, OSBA)
An education bill with little practical effect drew culture war heat Tuesday to the Senate Education Committee.
Senate Bill 1583 would prohibit school boards or other school district leaders or committees from banning books or other learning materials based on their addressing people in protected classes. The bill basically makes explicit state and federal laws and school district policies that already prohibit discrimination.
The discussion about the bill, though, mostly centered on access to books some consider controversial, particularly ones dealing with sexuality and gender.
Sen. Lew Frederick, the bill’s chief sponsor, testified that he is trying to prevent discrimination-based decisions that have led to book bans. He made clear the bill does not require any books, materials or curriculum to be used and it does not dictate what appears in schools’ libraries or what parents allow their children to see.
“This bill isn’t about politics for me,” said Frederick, D-Portland. “It’s about kids reading.”
The bill received hundreds of letters of submitted testimony on both sides, far more than is typical. The hearing was packed, with more people in an overflow room.
Opposition testimony, including from school board members and educators, raised concerns about the bill chipping away at school boards’ local decision-making ability.
Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point and a school board member, presented amendments to assure administrators’ and school boards’ powers.
The amendments would make clear that schools do not have to accept all books that deal with protected classes and that local processes within the law would still decide learning content. McIntire, who supports the bill, said the amendments would help protect school districts from civil lawsuits.
The bill’s supporters include parents, educators, civil liberties groups and community and school librarians. Supporters want to protect a diversity of viewpoints in school libraries.
OSBA is neutral on the bill. OSBA Legislative Services Specialist Efren Zamudio testified that the school district policies recommended by OSBA already align with the bill. Zamudio pointed out that the policies include seeking input from parents, community and school staff on materials before board approval.
“I want to be very clear: At the Oregon School Boards Association, we do not stand for discrimination of any kind,” Zamudio said.
The bill is scheduled for a possible committee vote Thursday.
– Jake Arnold, OSBA
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