Legislation that would ban the teaching of “divisive concepts” in grades K-12 is being pushed again in the state House.

Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, filed the bill. The bill has 21 co-sponsors, including Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley.

“I co-sponsored the divisive language legislation because I feel teaching should be focused on equipping students with skills (reading, writing, arithmetic) that they will need to prosper in life,” she said. “Proper training so they can continue their education in a higher learning institution or enter directly into the job force after graduation.”

She also outlined some of the divisive concepts that she believes shouldn’t be discussed in a classroom.

“Focusing on sex, religion or national origin should not be topics when our children will have to compete with brilliant minds from all over the world to gain employment,” Wood said. “A child should not feel inferior or different than the student sitting next to them.

“Divisive language divides and we need to unite with the goal of equipping our children with the knowledge that will allow them to achieve their dreams.”

An attempt was made to contact Democratic lawmakers in the House to get their opinion of the new bill. None responded.

However, a nearly identical bill was brought forward in the chamber last legislative session that House Democrats did comment on.

According to CBS42, Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham) disagreed with the proposed bill.

“I think it is unjust.” she said. “This bill right here, it stops us from being able to teach history, real history.”

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, was also displeased with the legislation saying that the bill “will prohibit free speech and whitewash history.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.