Contentious Vote Leaves Nebraska’s Social Studies Standards Unchanged
A proposed update to Nebraska’s social studies standards met a deadlock as the State Board of Education’s vote ended in a 4-4 tie on Friday. The impasse arose from differing opinions on the language used in the standards, with Democrats opposing the exclusion of terms like “underrepresented” and “marginalized,” while Republicans backed the revisions.
This vote culminated an 18-month process initiated by the Nebraska Department of Education. A diverse team of 21 individuals from various educational districts and institutions was tasked with reviewing and suggesting changes to the standards spanning kindergarten through high school. The proposed changes were introduced to the public via several surveys before being presented to the board for a final decision. Jane Stavem, Deputy Commissioner of NDE, emphasized the standards as a core guideline for schools.
“They can adopt the standards as they are. They can adopt the standards and things that they may want to include,” Stavem stated. “Then, school districts are charged with writing the curriculum and the implementation of those standards into everyday instruction, including materials selection and any of the updates that they do then with courses or progression of courses, how those middle level to high school courses progress.”
In light of the tie vote, Nebraska’s 2019 social studies standards will remain in effect.
Prior to the vote, Elizabeth Tegtmeier raised concerns about alleged political maneuvering, claiming she was contacted with an offer to secure a fifth affirmative vote in exchange for support in a future presidential election. “I don’t think these standards are probably as bad as they’re being presented because I got a call yesterday saying, ‘Hey, we can get you a fifth yes vote if you’ll horse trade the presidency next year,'” Tegtmeier remarked. “Sorry, but I don’t buy and sell votes, and I need people around this table to quit playing politics.”
Following the meeting, board members Maggie Douglas, Deborah Neary, and Liz Renner issued a statement denying any involvement in such discussions. “We would never trade our votes on academic standards — or any other substantive matter before the Board — in order to advance the political position of ourselves, another Board member or our political party,” their statement read. “Public confidence in this Board depends upon Nebraskans knowing that our decisions are being made openly, independently and in accordance with the responsibilities entrusted to us.”
The Debate Over Terminology
Sherry Jones, a Republican, defended the proposed language changes, suggesting terms like “varying perspectives” and “multiple perspectives” as alternatives to “underrepresented” and “marginalized.” Jones argued that “marginalized” is “subjective and is an inflammatory word,” potentially inciting negative feelings among students.
Conversely, Liz Renner, a Democrat, contended that the terms “underrepresented” and “marginalized” provide a fuller understanding of topics like the history of slavery. Renner emphasized the need for a comprehensive narrative to ensure students receive a complete picture of historical events.
Deborah Neary, reflecting on her experience with previous standards, voiced disappointment in the exclusion of past contributors and the influence of a conservative think tank, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, which criticized Nebraska’s current standards.
NDE Commissioner Brian Maher expressed interest in addressing Neary’s concerns and encouraged collaboration with educational professionals to refine the standards. “I don’t think it has, at least not from recent standards revisions,” Maher said. “If it has, I’d like to get that corrected internally.”
The State Board of Education will reconvene for its next meeting on Oct. 2 in Scottsbluff.
By way of full disclosure, Brian Maher is a member of Nebraska Public Media’s governing board, the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission.
