Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that students in Minnesota have access to culturally inclusive learning environments. It is designed to protect the presence of culturally relevant materials and displays in educational settings, ensuring they are not removed or restricted solely due to the ideas or opinions they represent.

Main Provisions

• Culturally Inclusive Resources: School districts are required to allow materials that reflect the diversity of student and community cultures. These are noncurricular resources which contribute to representing various cultural backgrounds.
• Restrictions on Removal: Schools cannot ban or restrict access to such culturally relevant materials based solely on their viewpoint or the messages they convey.
• Definitions: Important terms such as "culturally relevant resources," "district," and "school board" are precisely defined within the bill to clarify the scope of its application.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prohibition of Discrimination: The bill prohibits school boards from discriminating against or disciplining employees who adhere to the guidelines for maintaining culturally inclusive materials.
• Exceptions and Limitations: It allows school boards to make decisions regarding materials based on practical considerations, such as space or pedagogical relevance, as long as these decisions are not based on viewpoint discrimination. Additionally, parents, guardians, and adult students retain the right to review instructional materials.

Relevant Terms

culturally inclusive learning environments, culturally relevant resources, viewpoint discrimination, noncurricular materials, school district policies, diversity, parent rights, pedagogical concerns, sensitive topics.