HOUSE GOP REJECTS CASTRO AMENDMENT TO HOLD STUDENTS' TEXTBOOKS TO HIGHEST ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today introduced an education amendment, which was rejected by House Republicans on H.R.5. The commonsense amendment would appoint a neutral ombudsperson in the Department of Education to ensure American students’ textbooks meet the high academic standards our young people need to succeed in their future pursuits. This nonpartisan ombudsperson would field and help resolve K-12 textbook disputes.
“Our students deserve textbooks that contain factually correct information and are in physically good condition,” said Congressman Castro. “Across the country though, students, parents, and teachers file complaints regarding the content and quality of textbooks that too often go unaddressed and unresolved. Our students would benefit from having a person in the Department of Education who could address any lapses in textbook standards and offer to help improve those conditions. It’s disheartening that my Republican colleagues voted against this amendment and against our students whose inadequate books hamper their ability to learn.”
The aim of Congressman Castro’s amendment was to prevent K-12 students’ textbooks from serving as a platform for political ideologies, and to ensure American young people’s learning materials equip students with the knowledge needed to compete in the global workforce.
Congressman Castro’s speech introducing the amendment earlier today can be viewed here:
Background:
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday evening on Congressman Castro’s amendment to H.R. 5. It failed by a vote of 182 to 243.
###
Next Article Previous Article