SE Illinois News

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) fears what public schools in Illinois could be on the verge of becoming.

"Not only is it wrong for our schools to be turned into some sort of indoctrination camp, but it is also a huge disservice to our students," Jacobs told the SE Illinois News. "I think the focus of our education system should be on giving students the tools they need to think for themselves."

Jacobs' concerns stem from a push by the State Board of Education to adopt "Culturally Responsive" school standards. These objectives, among other things, would require teachers to "create a risk-taking space that promotes student activism and advocacy."

While the plan's proponents say it creates a more welcoming environment for students, the new rule would also lead to such changes as teachers having to assess "how their biases and perceptions affect their teaching practice and how they access tools to mitigate their own behavior (racism, sexism, homophobia, unearned privilege, Eurocentrism, etc.)," The Center Square reported.

Jacobs believes the policy is partisan politics and places the core mission of public schools in jeopardy.

"The goal of our education system should be for students to acquire the tools they need to continue their education and to think critically," he said. "Critical thinking is an important ingredient for success. Students need to understand that education goes beyond the four walls of a school."

The 12-member Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) is scheduled to take up the matter for debate on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

 At least eight JCAR members would have to support a motion to block the proposal to prevent it from taking effect roughly eight months from now in October.