South Dakota students are rising up. They want to learn the full history of their state and this country.
South Dakota students deserve the right to receive an equitable education where they can freely learn and talk about the history, experiences, and viewpoints of all marginalized communities in this country.
It's why the ACLU of South Dakota is opposed to bills like House Bill 1012 and House Bill 1337. But we’re not the only ones.
Read on to learn why students like Karlee are voicing their opposition to bills that censor her education.
Hi my name is Karlee Jo Horned Antelope, I’m 15 years old, and I am a student representative and have the full support of the Lakota Empowerment Club at Central High School in District 34.
I oppose these bills [House Bill 1012 and House Bill 1337] because students have a right to learn and talk about race and racism and to receive an accurate, inclusive, and equitable education.
The Lakota Empowerment Club is a group of Native American students empowering our youth, fighting for racial equality, fairness in school, less discrimination, and just about any adversity we as people of color face on an everyday basis.
We help create an environment where Indigenous students feel welcome and included because we have open and honest discussions about the reality of systemic racism in America and how we can empower each other to make the change we want to see in the world.
These bills create divisiveness and will impose a higher need for programs to do the extra work to create the South Dakota students want to live in.
I strongly urge you to vote in opposition of House Bill 1337.
