Conservatives are aiming to secure majorities on the Kansas and Nebraska state school boards in the upcoming elections, potentially influencing the content taught in classrooms. The focus of contention revolves around conservative efforts to restrict teachings on racism, diversity, sexuality, and gender in public K-12 schools. Additionally, there is debate over the inclusion of skill-building lessons, such as social and emotional learning (SEL), which some conservatives view as promoting liberal values.
The pushback against SEL is part of a broader movement by conservative parents, right-wing groups, and Republican officials to eliminate what they perceive as 'woke' concepts from educational curricula. In Kansas, where state board races are partisan, the upcoming election could determine the ideological direction of the board.
