INDIANA LEGISLATION UPDATE:

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While Governor Holcomb signed SB251 into Law last spring, ISTA found a court to issue a stay on this legislation.  As we wait for the General Assembly to address the back door tactics of ISTA circumventing this legislation, we turn our attention to "Education Matters" that was presented in the General Assembly this year.  Unfortunately, HB1134 did not makee it through the legislative process.  Perhaps our assembly can re-address next year in smaller chunks.  And perhaps the newspapers will honestly report on the actual verbage of the proposed bills by actually reading the bills' contents and not print misrepresentations supplied by those who oppose parental and teacher rights in our schools.

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HB 1134

 The bill offered the following:

 

1)  School educational activities and curriculum must be posted on the school website/internet.

2)  Parents can opt in or out of activities and curriculum materials for their student(s)

3)  An advisory committee consisting of parents, teachers, admin and community must meet several times during the year to review and recommend curriculum materials. *

4)  Provides that a school cannot promote or compel students OR TEACHERS/employees to be taught or engage in materials that conflict with their sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, or political affiliation (including racial or sex stereotyping or blame)

5)  Students cannot be forced to undergo surveys or evaluations that would affect their personal beliefs or feelings without parental consent.

6)  Requires parents be notified via a written request for consent if their student undergoes counseling or therapy at school.

6)  Holds schools and school libraries accountable for providing sexually explicit materials or "performances" to minors.

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Click here for the text of  HB 1134

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SB  251

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"DEDUCTION OF DUES TO EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION"

In order to bring Indiana into compliance with the USSC Janus decision (see below), the Indiana Senate held committee hearings on prospective new Educational laws in January and February of 2021.  SB251 was sponsored by Senator Boots of the Labor and Pension Committee and Rep VanNatter in the House.  This bill seeks to add integrity to payroll deductions for teacher union membership and establish teacher rights in regard to their financial obligation in being a teacher.  Currently, most schools allow their teachers to have their union dues payroll deducted and the district then forwards that money to the teacher unions.  Teachers are not usually told up front how much those dues will be and oftentimes, deductions are taken without their knowledge or permission.  This bill will seek to verify that the member does indeed want their union dues deducted and a confirmation in writing will be required of both the member and the district who is taking their money.

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While this will ensure union members understand the gravity of their payroll deductions, it also enables union members to STOP their payroll deductions at any time AND to resign from the union upon demand.  Currently, union constitutions and by-laws make the window of opportunity to resign elusive and prohibitive.  Some unions will accept resignation only between certain hours of certain days.  Others by a certain date in writing and signed by multiple parties, including member, union rep and an admin.  Still others must receive the written request within 48 hours after it was mailed (let's hope the mail is quick!).  Additionally, some associations require an August 1st or September 1st deadline and any other time during the year will be forfeited until the NEXT year on August or September 1st.  These members are stuck until the "magic" date rolls around NEXT year.  

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Teachers who have been successful stopping their payroll deductions with their district are met with having to continue paying the dues because of that little piece of paper they signed at the beginning of the year which the union claims is a contract.  If dues are not paid by the member, regardless of payroll deduction or not, members may be sued for payment.

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IPE has intervened for teachers across the state, helping them to get out of their contract with the union and become an independent professional teacher.

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Indiana, once again, is the leader in the nation in teacher rights legislation.  Governor Holcomb has signed this bill into law.

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To find your Indiana Senator or Representative and offer your voice and experience or to thank them, click here.  

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