In the early stages of discussions about the so-called "divisive concepts" legislation, the question was raised as to whether or not the University of Alabama System and Auburn University could be compelled by an act of the Alabama Legislature to adhere to such a ban given both schools have specific language regarding their governance in the Alabama Constitution.
Because there has been much ado from the opponents of the bill that “divisive concepts” is overbroad, it is important to review the actual text.
What seems like a layup for a supermajority Republican-led Alabama Legislature has eluded the body for the last few years.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) used the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on Friday to accuse her political opponents of attempting to "whitewash" history and ban books.
The president of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Bernard Simelton, compared Alabama to Florida as he openly condemned the Alabama Legislature for its efforts to pass a law banning Critical Race Theory and other "divisive concepts" from the classroom.
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) says he's waiting to be sure he has the support before bringing his hotly-debated divisive concepts bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
If the legislature continues to delay school choice legislation, it’s not because it is too costly or because the program would not improve the quality of education in Alabama’s schools.
The bill by State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) banning the teaching of “divisive concepts” in Alabama schools and universities has passed committee and will go to the floor for a vote.
Alabama Commission on Higher Education executive director Jim Purcell defended diversity, equity and inclusion programs on Friday, criticizing a GOP-backed resolution to eliminate these programs in public institutions and a bill that would prohibit "divisive concepts" from being endorsed by higher education professionals.
A bill pre-filed by State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) on Wednesday would prohibit “education, promotion, and endorsement of certain divisive concepts in certain public school settings.”
During an interview with Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show" earlier this week, State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), who sponsored the legislation in the Alabama Senate, said the bill would return in 2023.