2008 Woodie Awards
HB 1315 could mandate diversity
Alexandra Nicolas
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: State News
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo -
If passed, House Bill 1315, the Emily Brooker Higher Education Sunshine Act, could throw open windows at Missouri schools, even if it's raining.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield), looks to eliminate bias by mandating education on politically, religiously and ideologically diverse topics and requires public universities to file annual reports on student complaints.
"University policy is a lot easier to throw in the trash than a statute is," Cunningham said. "We want to make sure students are always protected against discrimination."
The bill is named for a Missouri State University student who filed a federal lawsuit claiming her right to free speech had been violated after she refused to write a paper supporting adoption by gay couples.
Professors from the University of Missouri Columbia expressed their concern about teaching diversity in subjects such as mathematics and chemistry, where diversity would be difficult if not impossible to include without promoting incorrect theories.
"The idea of a bill . . . Micromanaging our classrooms is insulting," said Dr. Victoria Johnson, professor of sociology.
If passed, House Bill 1315, the Emily Brooker Higher Education Sunshine Act, could throw open windows at Missouri schools, even if it's raining.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield), looks to eliminate bias by mandating education on politically, religiously and ideologically diverse topics and requires public universities to file annual reports on student complaints.
"University policy is a lot easier to throw in the trash than a statute is," Cunningham said. "We want to make sure students are always protected against discrimination."
The bill is named for a Missouri State University student who filed a federal lawsuit claiming her right to free speech had been violated after she refused to write a paper supporting adoption by gay couples.
Professors from the University of Missouri Columbia expressed their concern about teaching diversity in subjects such as mathematics and chemistry, where diversity would be difficult if not impossible to include without promoting incorrect theories.
"The idea of a bill . . . Micromanaging our classrooms is insulting," said Dr. Victoria Johnson, professor of sociology.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Steve
posted 2/10/08 @ 11:15 PM CST
So diversity apparently means the dominant, christian viewpoint in this case. What a joke. The rights of white, conservative christian males hardly need protecting. (Continued…)
Intetrestin
posted 2/12/08 @ 12:41 PM CST
The bill was in response to a Female who's rights were infringed upon Steve.
Post a Comment