The New Hampshire House of Representatives recently passed legislation honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who was murdered. The bill, known as “Charlie’s Law,” received a close vote of 184 to 164 on Thursday and aims to regulate the teaching of topics like race, history, and LGBTQ+ issues in public schools.
Officially titled House Bill 1792, it seeks to prohibit what proponents refer to as “indoctrination.” This includes banning “critical theories and corresponding practices” that are deemed to promote division, a particular perspective, or anti-constitutional teachings. Supporters argue that this legislation aligns with Kirk’s ongoing mission to diminish the reach of leftist ideologies in education and return authority to parents and local communities regarding what children learn in schools.
Republicans have voiced concerns that such indoctrination is already happening within New Hampshire’s educational institutions and that it needs to cease.
“Currently, in the schools funded by our tax dollars, children are being taught critical race theory and radical gender ideology not merely as topics, but as gospel that one must accept to engage in public education,” stated House Majority Leader Rep. Jason Osborne (R.N.H.).
On the other hand, New Hampshire Democrats argue that this bill introduces divisive concepts and is likely to face legal challenges.
“New Hampshire teachers are not pushing Marxism or any other political doctrine on their students,” countered Rep. Lauren Selig (D.N.H.). “This measure won’t enhance education and is bound to lead to expensive legal battles.”
