H.R. 8705: Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act

This bill, known as the Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act (or CHARLIE Act), aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The main focus of the bill is on the funding of American history and civics programs in schools, specifically to prevent the use of these funds for what it describes as "radical indoctrination." Here are the key components of the bill:

Short Title

The Act may be cited as the Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act or the CHARLIE Act.

Prohibiting Funding for Certain Ideologies

The bill introduces amendments to Section 2231 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, establishing specific prohibitions on how funds for American history and civics can be utilized:

• General Prohibition: No funds allocated for this purpose can be used to promote discriminatory equity ideology or gender ideology.
• Grant Priorities: When awarding grants associated with these funds, the Secretary of Education must not prioritize entities based on criteria such as:
• The identity or purpose of the eligible entity.
• The identity of individuals who control, are employed by, or are served by the eligible entity.
• The proposed activities to be undertaken with the grant.

Definitions

To clarify the terms used in the bill:

• Discriminatory Equity Ideology: This term refers to a specific definition as outlined in Executive Order 14190, which addresses concerns about radical indoctrination in K-12 education.
• Gender Ideology: This term is defined in Executive Order 14168, which focuses on defending against what is termed gender ideology extremism and reaffirming biological truths.

Overall Purpose

Overall, the CHARLIE Act seeks to ensure that federal funds aimed at enhancing civics and history education are not allocated in a manner that the bill’s authors consider to promote what they view as ideologically driven content. The legislation emphasizes a neutral approach to funding based on principles of equality without favoring specific groups or identities.

Relevant Companies

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