"Controversial issues" resolution in Virginia dies

Virginia's House Joint Resolution 684, which would urge local school boards to adopt a code of ethics to prevent "political or ideological indoctrination," died in the House Rules Committee on February 5, 2019, after a subcommittee voted 7-0 to recommend "passing [it] by indefinitely."

As Ars Technica (January 29, 2019) explained with reference to a spate of similar measures, "the bills would call for teachers not to advocate on any topics that have appeared in the platform of a state political party. ... Which is problematic, given that a large number of state party platforms specifically mention evolution and climate change."

HJR 684's only sponsor was Dave A. LaRock (R-District 33), who introduced a similar resolution, HJR 117, in 2018, which also died in committee. Similar measures introduced in 2019 include South Dakota's House Concurrent Resolution 1002 and House Bill 1113Maine's House Paper 433, and Arizona's House Bill 2002.