According to the Arizona Republic, Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, spearheaded the measure which appeared as an amendment to Senate Bill 1108. Pearce did not return phone calls seeking comment but according to an online state Legislature document, SB 1108 states “the primary purpose of public education is the inculcation of the values of American citizenship.”
Supporters of the bill say Arizona schools should be prohibited from using public tax dollars to “promote political, religious, ideological or cultural values as truth when such values are in conflict with the values of American citizenship and the teachings of Western civilization.”
The measure would also allow for the superintendent of public instruction to withhold state funding if a school violates outlined teaching provisions.
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the new proposal; however, an entire state body must now follow suit, says Laura Devany, a communications advisor for the Arizona State Senate.
“The bill has not been passed by a full body. It was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and it will have to go to the full house,” she notes.
Click here to post and read comments
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
