Judge Orders Arkansas LEARNS Act Lawsuit to Proceed
A federal judge has given the green light to a lawsuit filed against the Arkansas LEARNS Act, clearing the way for a full hearing. The lawsuit claims that certain provisions in the LEARNS Act violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
This ruling, handed down on August 13, represents a partial victory for the plaintiffs, who argue that the act restricts critical race theory and other topics from being discussed in classrooms. They contend that this restriction infringes upon teachers’ freedom of speech and impedes students’ access to diverse perspectives. []
The act, signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, aims to expand educational options for students. Opponents assert that its “educational freedom accounts” program, which uses state funds for private and home schooling, diverts funds away from public schools and goes against the state’s constitutional obligation to support public education. []
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Main arguments against the LEARNS Act:
- Indoctrination ban: The act prohibits “indoctrination” on topics like critical race theory, which opponents see as overly broad and usurping teachers’ autonomy.
- Funding diversion: The “educational freedom accounts” program is accused of funneling public funds away from public schools and towards private options.