Boy opposes SB 287: ‘Keep politics out of education’

Today, March 31, State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) voted in opposition on Senate Bill (SB) 287 during its final hearing in the House. This bill passed with a vote of 54-40. SB 287, which proposes to make Indiana’s school board elections partisan, mandates that candidates run under party labels such as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a "blank space" next to their name.

Boy issued the following statement expressing her concerns about introducing partisan politics into the education system:

"At a time when our country is already deeply divided, it is baffling to think that we would intentionally introduce more partisanship into something as sacred as education. Our school boards should not be a battleground for political agendas; they should be dedicated to nurturing the minds and futures of our children. Education is about preparing the next generation for success, not about pushing party lines. 

“School board members should be chosen for their expertise, principles, and commitment to building up our students, regardless of political affiliation.

“Partisan politics have no place in our schools and only serve to deepen division, not solve the challenges we face. Keep politics out of education.”