U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is backing legislation that would restrict federal funding for K-12 classroom content considered inappropriate for minors.
Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined U.S. Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act.
The bill would prohibit schools from using funding provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to develop, implement, facilitate, host, or promote programs, activities, literature, or other materials containing sexually oriented content for minors.
“Exposing children to sexually explicit material in classrooms is completely inappropriate and a gross abuse of taxpayer dollars,” Tuberville said.
“I will continue to work with my colleagues to remove this kind of content from our classrooms to protect the innocence of our young people.”
The legislation would also bar federal funding for programs or materials promoting concepts related to gender dysphoria and transgenderism.
The bill preserves funding for standard academic coursework, including science instruction, major world religions, and certain classic works of literature and art.
Banks, the bill’s lead sponsor, said taxpayers should not be forced to support explicit classroom content.
“The American taxpayer should not be funding sexually explicit content for minors, it’s that simple,” Banks said. “I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort in the Senate to ensure children aren’t exposed to explicit, sexual themes in the classroom.”
The Senate legislation has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) introduced a companion bill in the House. The House Education and Workforce Committee advanced that measure on an 18-13 vote.
The Family Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Parental Rights Foundation, and Moms for America have endorsed the legislation.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
