08022B488E8287678725880D006C5208 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Williams, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1206, concerning prohibiting discriminatory practices in public schools. Representative Williams explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Matt Cook, representing the Colorado Association of School Boards, testified in opposition to HB 22-1206.

Jared Gregorio, representing Democrats for Education Reform, testified in opposition to the bill.

Nara Altmann, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado PTA, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Cook responded to questions regarding enforcement policies for ensuring discrimination is not occurring in public schools. Mr. Gregorio responded to questions regarding a passage he quoted during his testimony. Discussion ensued regarding the opinion of school board members on how the bill would affect their districts, and the capacity of small school districts to abide by the bill. Discussion followed regarding a provision in the bill disallowing discriminatory school activities, and a provision in the bill concerning school counseling. Discussion turned to "controversial materials" policies in certain school districts, and how HB 22-1206 affects these policies.

Asia Zanders, representing STAND for Children, testified in opposition to HB 22-1206.

Leah Charney, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kevin Vick, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kallie Leyba, representing AFT Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Linnea Reed-Ellis, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Reed-Ellis responded to questions regarding the ability of the State Board of Education to fine local school boards or schools under current law. Discussion ensued regarding learning gaps among certain demographics, and assertions that the bill would restrict the teaching of history. Discussion followed regarding school support for certain demographic groups, the potential impact of the bill on teacher recruitment, and the potential impact of the fines levied under the bill on teacher salaries. Ms. Zanders responded to questions regarding how current school curricula may cause distress for students. Discussion turned to the opinions of the members of the panel on certain assertions in the bill.

Michelle Castro, representing herself, testified in support of HB 22-1206.

Marilyn Salabarria, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Cain Young, representing Task Force Freedom, testified in support of the bill.

Rachel Klopfe, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Young responded to questions regarding the inspiration for his testimony. Discussion ensued regarding the need to discuss all of history. Ms. Klopfe responded to questions regarding her experiences with the curriculum in her child's school.

William Trachman, representing himself, testified in support of HB 22-1206.

Ivy Liu, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ann Easton, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Trachman responded to questions regarding who he represents, and the findings of the U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Division on critical race theory from the time he served in the department. Mr. Trachman responded to further questions regarding the intentionality element of the bill with respect to the bill's penalties, and whether federal discrimination laws mirror certain language in HB 22-1206. Mr. Trachman responded to questions regarding the type of injury for which the bill offers a remedy, and the definition of "discrimination" in the bill.

No amendments were offered to HB 22-1206. Representative Williams provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.