TALLAHASSEE, FL—A new education bill would prohibit teachers' prep classes from including a curriculum on the existence of systemic racism, sexism, or oppression in Florida institutions. The bill would also prevent "identity politics" and any "distortion of historical events".
"I am looking for the best environment for our students so they can be as successful as possible," The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, said in the Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary, explaining that the "students" in this case, are the future teachers, "We are teaching the teachers so they can be effective in the classroom."
Sen. Ingoglia continued, acknowledging that while he believes in the importance of teaching history, the "blame game" has no place in a teacher prep course. "I understand there should be an acknowledgement that it happened, but when you start laying blame on people and pitting people against each other...we're trying to get away from that." He said.
Democrats opposed the bill, stating that the teachings of blame in prep courses are simply not happening. They said that the bill was diverting attention away from issues such as literacy and teacher shortages.
"We have the largest teacher shortage in the country, but yet we are sitting here today dealing with everything except the teacher shortage. We are number 43 in literacy in the country, but we're doing everything but making sure our children know how to read." Sen. Shevrin Jones said.
Jones, who took a teacher prep course for 2 years, called the idea of identity politics being taught in prep courses a "farce". He continued, stating: "We are wasting time. We are literally taking trash and passing it as law."
The bill, which has an identical House companion, ultimately passed down party lines and will head to the Appropriations Committee on Education.
