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The following highlights are summaries directly based on the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) Federal Education Report and reflect information and ideas provided by the Consortium.
Click here to read more about these topics and others in the January 14th report.
Click here to read more about these topics and others in the January 21st report.
Senate Probes Parents’ Ability to Voice Concerns at School Board Meetings: During the confirmation hearing of Attorney General nominee Pamela Bondi, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) declared that the FBI conducted investigations into parents opposing curriculum choices and COVID-19 mandates during school board meetings. Grassley criticized these investigations as undue governmental overreach, with Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) citing similar concerns about parents purportedly being targeted for engaging in their child’s education. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) additionally criticized the October 2021 memorandum issued by Attorney General Merrick Garland, which directed law enforcement to address threats at school board meetings. The confirmation hearing form Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon will likely bring more discussion on this issue.
House Passes Bill Banning Transgender Athletes in Women Sports: The House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill that would ban transgender women and girls from participating in women’s school sports. The legislation, which passed 218-206 along party lines, would amend Title IX to define sex based on “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” Only two Democrats, Representatives Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), voted in favor of the bill while one Democrat, Representative Don Davis (D-NC), voted present. The bill faces considerable opposition in the Senate, where, due to the filibuster, Republicans must be joined by seven Democrats to pass the bill. If passed, schools violating the act could lose federal funding.
Education And Workforce Committee Sets Priorities For 119th Congress: The House Committee on Education and Workforce convened its organizing meeting for the 119th Congress, setting its priorities and remaining leadership structure. Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) emphasized addressing K-12 education challenges and controlling college costs. The committee established their subcommittee leadership, with Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) leading Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education; Representatives Burgess Owens (R-UT) and Alma Adams (D-NC) leading Higher Education and Workforce Development; Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) leading Workforce Protections; and Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) leading Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. It seems Republicans are focused on entrepreneurship and labor union reform, while Democrats are prioritizing education and healthcare investment. Despite differences, the committee is ultimately hoping for collaboration moving forward. |
