Controversial State Education Bill Falls Through at SC State House: What to Expect Next
COLUMBIA, S.C. – In an unforeseen twist eventuating at the State House, the contentious legislation designed to regulate the content taught in South Carolina classrooms has unexpectedly collapsed at its final hurdle. The failure of the bill has given rise to speculation from both its supporters and detractors that this chapter might not be the last we hear of it.
The Fate of the ‘South Carolina Transparency and Integrity in Education Act’
The ‘South Carolina Transparency and Integrity in Education Act’ was backed by a significant volume of votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, critical disparities between the Senate and House versions of the act necessitated the reaching of a compromise. It was this compromise that needed the support of two-thirds of each chamber to finalise the bill and deliver it to the Governor’s desk.
Despite previously being approved by a solid majority in both the Senate and House, this consolidation into a single document turned out to be where the initiative met its end. Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland, expressed his view on the bill’s fall, stating “I was pleasantly surprised. It is a horrible bill. It is a bill that would have worsened the environment for our teachers, who already feel overwhelmed and disrespected.”
The Disputed Bill and Its Provisions
The bill’s provisions contained a controversial ban on teaching concepts like asserting the inherent superiority of one race, sex, or national origin over another and that individuals are accountable for historical actions carried out by members of their race or sex. The bill also outlined that this wouldn’t ban the discussion or instruction of controversial aspects relating to history or current events or about the past oppression of specific groups based on race or sex.
Democrats universally opposed the bill for fears it might lead to censorship and an uncomfortable climate for educators, yet Republicans felt it would have clarified confusion around the parameters of permissible content in the classroom
Parental Involvement and Legalities: The Root of Discord
The most controversial measure came from the House of Representatives. It proposed allowing parents to legally challenge school districts if they disagreed with what was being taught, even in the event of built-in measures to settle disputes prior to launching lawsuits.
Senators had stripped this right-to-sue provision from their version of the bill, but House members maintained their resolve for its inclusion. The succeeding attempt to limit those who could sue to South Carolina public school parents rather than anyone, anywhere, opened a window of opportunity enabling Senate Democrats to deny the bill,
Analysts widely believe the parental lawsuit clause caused the initiative’s downfall and will likely play a role in future discussions and attempts to pass a similar bill. With all legislative seats being contested this year for re-elections, a significant number of fresh faces are guaranteed to populate both chambers at the State House. It remains uncertain what form this resurrected bill might take in the future.
“I don’t know that what we talked about this year will be the same product next year,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said. Expressing a similar sentiment, Sen. Darrell Jackson highlighted, “If we can stop a bad bill from becoming law, that’s even better.”
