The SCEA Joins ProTruth SC Coalition in Speaking Out Against Censorship Bill

The SCEA Joins ProTruth SC Coalition in Speaking Out Against Censorship Bill

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Women’s Rights Empowerment Network (WREN), and other organizations in the South Carolina ProTruth Coalition to speak out against H.3728, the “Truth and Integrity in Education” Act at a press conference this afternoon.

This bill, which was passed by the House in January, could prevent public educators from teaching accurate American history, subjects them to undue surveillance of their instruction, burdens them with unnecessary complaint processes, and risks the loss of state funding.

“This bill would diminish educators’ ability to teach current events in a timely manner” said The SCEA President Sherry East. “It is a solution in search of a problem. South Carolina is currently facing the worst teacher shortage in our state’s history and bills like this will do nothing to reduce that shortage and will likely make it worse.”

The Senate Education Subcommittee heard public testimony this morning on H.3728. Several educators echoed The SCEA’s concerns about the ramifications of this bill and the impact it would have on classroom instruction.

“We agree with the legislature that all students should learn critical thinking skills and graduate ready for college or a career. However, the ambiguous language of this bill and the complaint process outlined in the amendments do nothing to accomplish those goals,” said East.

The Senate Education Committee will continue to hear public testimony in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit The SCEA website at www.thescea.org/action.

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The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) represents members employed in public schools throughout South Carolina and is an affiliate of the largest professional association of educators in the country. As the leading advocate for the schools South Carolina students deserve, The SCEA works to promote quality public education and to support public school employees.

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