SD bill restricting 'divisive concepts' in higher ed heads to Noem's desk

[left-of-center2012]

Source: The Hill

A South Dakota bill to restrict “divisive concepts” at state colleges and universities was passed by the state Senate and now heads to the governor for a signature or a veto.

The bill passed Monday in South Dakota’s Republican-controlled Senate, 27-8. Should it be signed into law by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem — who helped draft the bill in December — “divisive concepts” related to race, gender and sex would be heavily restricted at state colleges and universities.

Similar to others like it, South Dakota’s House Bill 1012 targets critical race theory, which addresses systemic racism in the U.S., alleging it will widen racial divisions and make students feel “guilt” or “discomfort” on account of their race.

Under the bill, colleges and universities would not be restricted in the courses they are allowed to offer and professors may still instruct students on any subject matter, but “forced” or “compelled” speech in college orientations or trainings would be prevented.

Read more: https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/597515-sd-bill-restricting-divisive-concepts-in-higher

---

In a statement this week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Dakota said the bill encroaches on the First Amendment rights of educators and “creates more questions than answers.”

“It opens the door for a wide range of interpretations that could be used to chill free speech and academic freedom, discouraging open and honest discussions about systemic racism in classrooms and in higher education communities,” ACLU of South Dakota advocacy manager Jett Jonelis said. “That House Bill 1012 passed shows the very need for the types of discussion our government is trying to prohibit.”

[ZonkerHarris]

1. Call it the Republican Snowflake Bill

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Republicans do not want their feelings hurt. Facts chanes things.

They cannot handle that.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. Critical thinking based on fact SHOULD NOT be legislated.

Just as trying to legislate MORALITY fails.

This is nothing more than government overreach in suppressing Free Speech. It's UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

[Moostache]

4. Any institution of higher learning that accepts such edicts should immediately close forever.

The entire point of education at univeristy level is to learn to think - to challenge one's self with concepts foreign to one's limited experience and struggle with them to reach a deeper understanding, a broader education and a fuller life. If a belief is so fragile that it cannot withstand scrutiny or examination or even fucking discussion, then it is a concept intended to harm or control people and it is the problem not the solution.

If the stupid people in this country continue to write laws like this and the excremental anti-abortion laws and the don't say gay laws, then there is no nation any more - only a paper shell and a joke. I will not live in such a joke of a nation. I will emigrate and shake the foul stench of this failed experiment in self-rule and observe its demise from a safe distance. Good luck to those who choose to stay and fight...in my estimation, when these kind of 'laws' are proposed and adopted, its not worth the loss of life necessary to remove the cancer. Put the USA on palliative care - up the doses of internet memes and NFTs and conspriacy theories - and let it die.

Maybe the rest of the world would be interested in removing America's nukes before a madman on the order of Putin (Trump?) gains or takes power here and fucks the whole world...

[halfulglas]

5. Well, this must mean they can't teach a damn thing.

Education by introducing knowledge forces students to look at things in different ways

[katusha]

6. this will outlaw teaching of the US constitution!

the 3/5 comprimise is certainly a "devisive topic" centering around race if I am not mistaken.

[Achilleaze]

7. "Cancel Culture" is what Republicans do

Then they lie about it and try to project that accusation onto normal Americans. So sick and twisted.

[KPN]

17. Exactly. And that's why they are able to come up with

their messaging phrases. They know and understand exactly what they are doing, put a name to it, and then apply it to anything Dems or any group that doesn’t adhere to their world view every chance and perceived opportunity they get. And it frigging works! ….

[TygrBright]

8. P* would be proud. n/t

[Karadeniz]

9. Fascism 101

[2Gingersnaps]

10. I consider pandering to a geriatric tantrum throwing toddler with psychopathic tendancies

"divisive." I also consider the war on education, history, science, and literature teaching empathy divisive. I also consider the abuse of the Native People in South Dakota highly divisive. Can we arrest Noem yet?

[moniss]

11. I hope someone brings a lawsuit about mentioning the

"divisive" topic of religion. One of the most divisive topics on the planet for thousands of years and counting. But I'm sure the GQP didn't include that "divisive" topic in the bill. Despite massive wars and human suffering through the centuries caused by this "divisive" topic.

[OMGWTF]

16. THIS! THIS! THIS!

[KPN]

18. That was my first thought as well. There is no

greater divider in my view — with the possible exception of those who lust for power and greed who by their nature seek to divide in order to personally benefit.

[Beastly Boy]

12. Does this mean that division is no longer a basic math operation?

[AllaN01Bear]

13. they whine and complain about cencership in russia , well here it is . we are looking more and

more like russia everyday.

[murielm99]

14. They should be doing things outside the classroom.

They could have teach-ins outside of the classrooms, if they are prohibiting free speech inside the classrooms.

[OMGWTF]

15. I love the ACLU; long-time card-carrying member and they're in my Will.