Efforts to include Space Camp in bill barring sexual orientation, gender identity instruction defeated in committee meeting
ALABAMA (WHNT) — An effort to include Space Camp in a bill barring public school discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity was defeated in an Alabama House committee meeting Wednesday.
Alabama Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Gadsden, wanted to attach the amendment to House Bill 130, which would ban discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 classes in Alabama public schools. The current law bars that discussion in K-5 public school classrooms.
AAMU students say campus officials handled shooting well, parents concern growing
Amendments proposed in the committee meeting would prohibit instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation at any program or activity of the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission. They also named Space Camp specifically as a program where this instruction would be prohibited.
“The implementation and enforcement of this section, Section 2, an individual or group of individuals providing instruction to students 18 years of age or younger at any program or other activity operated, developed, hosted or promoted by the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission… included but not limited to Space Camp and other youth science programs shall not engage in instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. The Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission shall adopt policies for the implementation and enforcement of this subsection and the act shall become effective October 1.”
Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, who represents Huntsville, pushed back against the amendment questioning why Space Camp and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center were being singled out in the proposed law. Alabama Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, who chairs the House Education Policy Committee, also expressed concern about singling out one institution.
During the committee’s vote on the amendment, the “no” votes outnumbered the “yes” votes.
New Alabama Victims Notification System website increases access, services
Space Camp came under scrutiny last week when a social media post by a man who said he’d planned to send his daughter to Space Camp, drew widespread attention. The man said he was concerned about a transgender counselor at the camp and the possibility that person could go into a girl’s dormitory hallway.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, called for the counselor’s firing and an investigation.
There have been no reports of wrongdoing by Space Camp staff. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center said in reaction to the outcry the safety of children is their top priority and they pledged to review staff conduct.
The camp and rocket center are operated by the U.S. Space Space Exhibit Commission, whose members are appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey.
In a news release Friday, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center said a number of its staff members had received by general and specific threats to their safety.
Alabama lawmakers approve absentee ballot, anti-diversity, equity and inclusion bills
“The U.S. Space & Rocket Center would like to assure concerned parents, teachers and the public that no child has been physically harmed on our campus. In fact, no such allegation was ever raised as part of the recent social media controversy. In addition, our operation is designed with layers of protection to mitigate against single points of failure.
“We are still gathering information but have been slowed down while schools are out for Spring Break and resources being diverted to deal with external safety threats. We will diligently continue with and conclude our investigation as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible.”
Our communications and call center teams have been actively responding to questions and concerns raised by individuals and school groups. We have prioritized connecting with administrators of school groups with planned trips to Space Camp in the near future first and will then reach out to as many people as possible to address any additional concerns.
We will continue to regularly review and update our policies and procedures to ensure that we are providing the highest level of safety and risk prevention, as well as ensuring full compliance and oversight.”
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
