Missouri’s New Education Laws Await Governor’s Approval

Antisemitism in Schools

House Bill 2061, sponsored by Republican Rep. George Hruza, aims to combat antisemitism in public schools and universities. The bill requires educational institutions to treat antisemitism similarly to racial discrimination, using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition. This includes prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status. The law ensures that criticism of Israel is not automatically deemed antisemitic unless it applies inconsistent standards compared to other nations.

School Security Enhancements

Senate Bill 905, introduced by Sen. David Gregory, proposes the creation of a program to train ‘rangers’ for school security. These rangers would undergo comprehensive training, including active shooter response and de-escalation techniques, and could carry firearms if permitted by the school. This measure aims to enhance safety in educational institutions across the state.

Changes to University Board Membership

House Bill 2896, sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, seeks to alter the composition of public university boards. The bill limits the number of board members from the university’s home county or city, ensuring broader representation from different congressional districts. This change affects several universities, including Harris Stowe State University and Southeast Missouri State University, among others.

Pending Legislation and Budget Shortfalls

Other legislative efforts, such as those related to school choice and higher education reforms, did not pass this session. Additionally, the state’s education budget fell short by $190 million, although it includes $60 million for the MOScholars program, which provides private school scholarships.

Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.