A federal judge has delayed a decision on most of Arkansas’ request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging part of the governor’s new education law. The law includes a section against “indoctrination,” which critics argue is discriminatory.
What Happened?
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Judge Lee Rudofsky ruled that most of the state’s request would remain undecided for now. However, he dismissed claims that the law’s “anti-indoctrination” section violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The judge asked both sides to provide more evidence about whether this section is being applied in a discriminatory way.
Background of the Case
Parents, students, and teachers from Little Rock Central High School filed the lawsuit in March. One plaintiff, teacher Ruthie Walls, argued that the law creates confusion, especially since it bans “Critical Race Theory” (CRT) without clear definitions. Walls teaches AP African American Studies, a course affected by these restrictions.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders included the anti-indoctrination language in the LEARNS Act after signing an order banning indoctrination on her first day in office. The state removed the AP African American Studies course from its approved list just before the 2023 school year began, sparking controversy.
The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Rudofsky previously issued a temporary order in May allowing teachers to discuss CRT, as long as they don’t force students to adopt any particular beliefs. He now says he’s waiting for a higher court to clarify certain legal issues before making a final ruling. The case focuses on whether the law discriminates against African Americans and if it limits free speech for teachers and students.
The judge noted that people hold different views on how to address racial issues. Some believe in a “colorblind” approach, treating everyone equally without considering race, while others argue that recognizing systemic racism is necessary to address inequality. The law reflects the “colorblind” view, supported by a majority of Arkansas lawmakers.
Next Steps
The judge gave the state until January 31 to submit additional arguments about how the law is applied. The plaintiffs will respond by February 28, with the state replying by March 14.