Kansas lawmakers want schools to post class lessons online as a tool against critical race theory

Originally Published on Wichita KMUW 89.1

Under a proposed Parents' Bill of Rights, Kansas K-12 schools and libraries would no longer be exempt from obscenity laws, opening them to potential criminal charges if they distribute material found to be harmful to minors.

WICHITA, Kansas — In the battle over critical race theory and how to teach about topics like racism or history in Kansas schools, conservative activists and lawmakers have a new clarion call: curriculum transparency.

They want schools to be more open about what they’re teaching, and they want districts to put classroom and training materials online for the public to see. They also want more oversight of materials centered on race, gender or sexuality, or other topics they think are inappropriate for youngsters.

A proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights would require Kansas school districts to create an “academic transparency portal” on their websites to post information on learning materials and activities.

If approved, Kansas K-12 schools and libraries would no longer be exempt from obscenity laws, opening them to potential criminal charges if they distribute material found to be harmful to minors. It also would shield teachers who refuse to teach against their religious or philosophical beliefs.

“People have seen the news stories, and I think parents are saying, ‘Wait a second, is this happening in my kid’s classroom, too?’” said Rodney Penn, founder of a Salina-based parent group, Kansas Parents Involved in Education…