Education (Teachers)

HB 227, the "Honesty in Teaching Act," prohibits Pennsylvania public schools (including districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) and their contractors from compelling students to adopt beliefs that suggest any group is inherently superior or inferior based on protected characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. It bans communications promoting discrimination or group-based superiority (Section 3(a)), requires teacher training focused on fostering independent thinking over advancing personal beliefs (Section 3(e)), and mandates contracts with contractors include a statement prohibiting "prohibited indoctrination" (Section 4). Complaints about violations can be filed with school boards, with penalties for false claims under Pennsylvania law (Section 5). The bill directly affects public school employees, contractors, and students by restricting specific instructional content while allowing discussion of controversial topics.

HB 1351 prohibits Pennsylvania public school teacher preparation, induction, and professional development programs from incorporating culturally relevant and sustaining education - teaching methods that reflect students' backgrounds and experiences. The bill directly affects educators and school staff who participate in these training programs. It achieves this by amending the Public School Code to ban such education and repealing related regulations (22 Pa. Code §§ 49.1, 49.13-49.17) that previously addressed the topic. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

This resolution (SR 68) urges the U.S. Congress to cooperate with federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. It states Pennsylvania seeks to exercise its state authority over education, arguing federal mandates limit the state's ability to address local needs like teacher shortages and student outcomes. The resolution cites Pennsylvania's constitutional duty to provide public education and claims federal education funding (e.g., $15 billion in Title I) could be redirected to state priorities if the Department of Education is dismantled. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but expresses Pennsylvania's position on education policy.