It has come to my attention from many constituents in the 43rd District along with others across Nebraska that there is an issue with the new proposed Health and Human Development Standards being evaluated by the Nebraska State Board of Education.  This current draft parents, grandparents and teachers seem to have issues with is the implementation of learning about gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and gender stereotypes as early as first grade. 

The State Board of Education’s members met in Kearney on June 4, 2021 and allowed some public comment at this meeting.  There were over 350 people present, 150 signed up to speak and approximately 75 people were allowed to testify with the overwhelmingly majority opposed to the new standards. 

Superintendents, and local school board members across the state are speaking up against the current draft version.  Parents, grandparents and retired teachers are also attending local school board meetings expressing their displeasure with these standards.  Currently the State Board of Education will present the second draft in August for review.  They have set a date of August 6, 2021 but the location has not yet been determined.   

There is very detailed language in the current draft proposal which many feel is too explicit for young children.  Also, if the standards were passed as written, it would be difficult for parents to opt out due to the complexity of how the standards will be presented.  To view these standards they are available on the Nebraska Department of Education website:  https://www.education.ne.gov/.

If you feel this is too explicit and/or also an overreach of parental control, please contact your local school board members and also your State Board of Education representative.  In our district that would be Robin Stevens.  He represents the western half of Nebraska which is District #7.  His contact information is:  robin.stevens@nebraska.gov  or (402) 615-4095.  As your representative, you have the right to let him know how you feel about the standards. You may also contact any other members of the State Board of Education and/or Dr. Matthew Blomstedt, Commissioner at the Nebraska Department of Education at Matt.Blomstedt@nebraska.gov or 402-471-2295 to voice your concerns.

The State Board of Education will begin accepting written public comment on July 29th for the August meeting.  website. https://www.education.ne.gov/stateboard/  Also I want to note that the State School Board members are elected by the people and the Board directly oversees the Nebraska Department of Education and it’s Commissioner. 

Myself and twenty-seven other Senators. My office is closely monitoring the situation and looking into possible legislation if necessary.  I stand in support of the many families across our district and our state who oppose teaching sexual deviance to Nebraska’s school children.