Smith: ‘Majority puts partisan school boards before our children’s futures’

Today, March 31, the House passed Senate Bill 287 with a vote of 54 to 40. The bill makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. Since the bill changed to the House, it heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), the ranking minority member of the House Education Committee,  released the following statement

“Our school boards exist to oversee the education, future and well-being of our children. Their job is not to ban books or to address the topics of race, gender or sexuality. Republicans want partisan school boards because they believe it will help them win elections. They lost some key races in some districts, and now they want to change the process to be in their favor.  

“Research shows that districts that switch to partisan elections see an increase in teacher turnover, an increase in the share of less experienced teachers and a negative impact on non-white school board candidates. Nobody wins if this legislation is passed except for the Republican Party. Our children, our teachers, our parents and our communities lose. 

“Partisan school boards insert more division into our community. Voters will be encouraged to choose a candidate based on a letter next to their name instead of their platform. I want my local school board to be focused on our children, not on a party agenda. 

“Injecting partisan politics into our schools will bring about more strife to our communities. This is far from what is best for our students and their futures.“ 

Smith bill to increase reporting for incidents of bullying passes in Education Committee

Today, Feb. 12, House Bill 1539, authored by State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary), passed the House Education Committee. The bill expands the definition of bullying to include severe, one-time acts, not just repeated offenses. It also requires school corporations to report incidents of bullying no later than one business day to the parents of the alleged perpetrator and targeted student. HB 1539 also updates the legal language for students who transfer schools. 

Smith released the following statement about the committee's passage of his bill:

“Education is an essential part of childhood, and we want our schools to be a safe haven. Sometimes coming to school is the only way a student gets a hot meal, chats with a positive adult influence or sees their cherished friends. Our children deserve to be safe in the school building. 

“Current law allows schools to report no later than five business days, but this is far too long. Parents deserve to know about a bullying incident as soon as possible. In some cases, it’s the difference between life and death. Students who experience bullying have an increased risk for depression and anxiety. I want our students to believe in the system of reporting. I want them to know that if they speak up things will get better for them. I believe my bill protects our students and ensures their voices are heard and respected. 

“I think as it moves forward, we need to continue to discuss cyber-bullying and protections for our children online. I’m grateful that this bill passed in the House Education Committee, and I look forward to its vote on the House floor.” 

Smith passes two education amendments on HB 1002 on the House floor

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Indiana House of Representatives adopted two amendments drafted by State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) to House Bill 1002. HB 1002 eliminates several education programs, reduces oversight and removes important student and teacher provisions supporting civics, arts and mental health programs in schools throughout the state.

Both of the amendments Smith offered to HB 1002 were passed on the House floor. His first amendment restores legal language requiring schools to report incidents in which an educator is injured by a student to the state. 

In his second successful amendment, Smith restored legal provisions requiring the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to develop cultural competency training for school staff.

"I am pleased that Chairman Behning and the rest of the House were open to working with me on these changes," Smith said. "It's critical that we track teacher injuries. They have a right to a safe work environment just like any other profession, and if we have data, then we can take action to solve problems that may arise.

"Second, requiring cultural competency training for educators and staff is essential if we are going to deliver on our state's promise of a good education for all students. If teachers aren't trained on how to properly serve students from different races, creeds or economic classes, how can they best serve our students? I am thankful our chamber agreed with me on this principle today in a bipartisan vote."

Smith encourages students to page at the Statehouse this session

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is looking for local students from House District 14 to come down to the Statehouse to join the page program. The page program is an opportunity for students aged 13 to 18 to meet their state representative and learn about the legislative process. Pages also help their representative carry out tasks on the House floor. 

“I have been blessed to work with the best and brightest students at the Statehouse during my tenure,” said Smith. “As a former educator and administrator, I deeply enjoy the opportunity to teach our youth about the legislative process. Our students can learn about state government by being immersed in it. Any student who is in K-12 and at least 13 years old is invited to participate in the day-long program.

“I hope to see students from my community participate in this program. One of my favorite parts of the legislative session is getting to meet and work with these student pages. I look forward to meeting every student participating in this great program.”

Those interested in being a page for the Indiana House of Representatives can click here for more information or to apply online. 

Smith receives annual drum major award inspired by MLK for his service to his community

On Saturday, Jan. 25, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) received the 2025 Drum Major Award presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club for his commitment and dedication to his community. The award is named after Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon. This annual award is given to an individual who continues fighting for King’s dream and works to improve other’s human experience.

“It is an immense honor to receive this award. I am blessed to have the privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gary,” Smith said. “Time has passed since the Civil Rights Movement, but Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy persists through those who serve. As I said in a recent speech celebrating his memory, I feel unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King.

“In his drum major sermon, King spoke to the innate human desire to put ourselves first. His sermon cautions us about the futility of selfishness and that the only way to truly achieve greatness is through service. I am called upon to serve by a higher power, and I try every day to improve the lives of persons I meet.

“King once said, ‘Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. For it isn’t by the size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.’ Following King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can for my community. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Once again, I am extremely grateful for this award. Thank you to my community for the continued opportunity to serve.”

Smith comments on Braun’s elimination of DEI

Wednesday, Jan. 15, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order replacing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state government with "MEI": Merit, Excellence and Innovation. Braun's executive order requires state agencies to examine policies and procedures to ensure compliance, as well as closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) issued the following statement: 

“In one executive order, Gov. Braun has turned back the clock on centuries of progress and equity. One signature on a piece of paper has negated the marches, boycotts and speeches of far greater men and women: Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, W.E.B Du Bois and more. I remember the Rainbow Coalition of the 1980s when Rev. Jesse Jackson declared, ‘Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow– red, yellow, brown, black and white.’ What is the harm in striving to reflect the rainbow of Indiana? Minorities in Indiana do indeed exist. 

“You cannot tell me our government does not need DEI initiatives when only 16 of 150 elected representatives are Black. Only 31 women serve in the two chambers, and not a single woman is part of Republican leadership. I can wholeheartedly say that my colleague's positions are not due to DEI, but because of their hard work and commitment to service.

“I believe in merit, excellence and innovation since we should all strive to be the best we can be. However, without DEI applied those in minority groups will not be given the chance to demonstrate that they are worthy of merit, excellence or innovation through their service. 

“The governor does not serve just a special few, but he is called by our constitution and a higher power to serve all people.”

Smith files 2025 legislation, continues his commitment to public education and public safety

With 2025 marking 35 years of serving Indiana House District 14, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary)  continued his commitment to the public by filing nine pieces of legislation. 

“I am blessed to be a servant to my community for another term,” Smith said. “During my time at the Statehouse, I’ve watched legislation try to tear the fine people of Gary down and each time we have risen to the challenge. As the representative for District 14, my purpose is not only to protect our community but also to uplift those within it.” 

One of Smith’s bills, House Bill (HB) 1540, focuses on absenteeism and improving student’s academic outcomes. HB 1540 requires the Department of Education to study student absences, create a list of best practices, develop intervention strategies and provide attendance improvement targets for certain schools. 

“Since the pandemic, we have seen an alarming increase in student absences,” Smith said. “In my 20+ years as an administrator, I saw students fall behind from missing critical hours of instruction. Students of color experience the highest rates of chronic absenteeism, and Gary School Corporation is nearly 90% African American. We must act now to show our students the importance of education and the value that schooling adds to their futures. I chose to pursue my doctorate due to the wonderful people in my life celebrating academic excellence. Our school corporations need multiple tools to combat absenteeism since every student is different. Some students miss class because of illness while others lack a quality support system needed to get to school. There should be multiple avenues to address this problem not a one-size fits all solution. HB 1540 would continue to study this troublesome trend and create more intervention strategies for our schools. ” 

HB 1317 and HB 1318 both aim to increase public safety. HB 1317 would require individuals convicted of domestic violence to surrender any firearms they possess and their permit to carry to the court. If an individual fails to comply, it’s a Class A misdemeanor. HB 1318 would establish the Hoosier Scam Prevention Board. A third bill authored by Smith, HB 1539, seeks to improve students' safety in schools. This bill would require a school corporation to adopt a timetable for reporting incidents of bullying, and for the principal of the school to report bullying to the parents of the victim and the parents of the alleged perpetrator. 

“We can do more to protect people from violent and non-violent crime. Anyone who has been convicted of violence in the home should not be able to own a firearm. One of the most tragic facts I’ve learned is that women who are victims of domestic violence are five times more likely to be killed if there’s a firearm in the home. We can prevent these tragedies by increasing legal protections through HB 1317. I also want to create a Hoosier Scam Prevention Board. It feels like you get a spam call once a day asking you for your insurance, bank account or social security information. Many of the scams are dangerous because they’re believable. By creating a board to study the scams taking place in Indiana, we get one step closer to eliminating them. Another bill I authored to improve our children’s safety is HB 1539 which creates reporting requirements for bullying. School is a place where students should feel safe, and bullying has a detrimental impact on the affected student. A parent should never be left in the dark about something that is seriously harming their child mentally, emotionally or physically.” 

One of Smith’s other priorities is recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday with HB 1315. 

“June 19, 1865, marked the end of slavery in the United States which was years after the Emancipation Proclamation,” Smith said. “Four years ago, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. It’s observed in our state, but it is not a legal holiday. HB 1513 seeks to proclaim Juneteenth an official state holiday. Establishing this holiday supports our nation’s founding promise that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

A full list of Smith’s legislation is available below:

1. HB 1314: Deferred Retirement Option Plan 

2. HB 1315: Designation of Juneteenth as a State Holiday

3. HB 1316: Sewer and Storm Water Fees Incurred by Tenants

4. HB 1317: Surrender of Firearms for Domestic Violence Crimes 

5. HB 1318: Hoosier Scam Prevention Board 

6. HB 1350: Judicial Immunity

7. HB 1537: Net Metering for Electricity Generation

8. HB 1538: Nonprofit Tax Form Simplification 

9. HB 1539: Education Matters 

10. HB 1540: Chronic Absenteeism

“This year I hope to make progress on all nine of these issues for the betterment of our community. I am ready to continue my service this session to House District 14.”

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Vernon Smith by email at h14@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848. 

Smith gives annual MLK address to the House: “The greatest among us should seek to serve’

Today, Jan. 13, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) gave his annual address to the Indiana House of Representatives in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With his day of remembrance approaching, Smith reminds his fellow Hoosiers of the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. who perfectly embodied Matthew 23:11, “But he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant.” 

“Today, I feel like John the Baptist when he referred to Jesus as someone whose sandal straps he was unworthy to tie,” Smith said. “I am unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King. However, like him, I can truthfully say I am committed to the service of mankind. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“I owe the fine people of Gary’s Fourth District who elected me to the City Council for four terms, the youngest person to ever serve. I am a debtor, so I serve. I owe the fine people of House District 14 who have allowed me to serve them for over 34 years. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Martin Luther King once said, ‘Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. For it isn’t by the size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.’ In accordance with King’s message, I have tried to be the best servant I can be, no matter the circumstance. I am a debtor, so I serve.

“Dr. Martin L. King is an example of another who came from humble beginnings and chose service. He, like Joseph in the Bible, had to go through bigotry, racism and injustice simply because he wanted peace in America. He had abiding faith in our nation and an audacious faith in the future of mankind, so he served. He dreamed of the day this nation would rise up and live the true meaning of its creed, so he served. He dreamed of the day his four little children would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin, so he served. 

“Before Martin Luther King’s murder in Memphis, someone said ‘Kill the dreamer and you kill the dream.’ As I stand here today and celebrate his service, I can truthfully and honestly say that the dream lives. Next Monday, let us celebrate one of America’s fallen leaders. The stone that was rejected has become a cornerstone of this nation.” 

Smith to host 36th annual Spirit of Christmas event

On Monday, Dec. 23, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the 36th annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway. Co-hosted by 6th District Councilman of the City of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, the Spirit of Christmas is held in honor of Reverend Julia E. Smith who served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and Patricia Tillotson, a former educator in the Gary School Corporation. The free event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. CT at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center (1900 W. 41st Avenue, Gary, Indiana). While the annual event takes place in House District 14, all are welcome to attend, and gifts are for all ages. 

“I started this tradition to honor my late mother, Reverend Julia E. Smith, and an educator I deeply admired named Patricia Tillotson,” Smith said. “Both of these women embodied the passion for giving, and they were a testament to how generosity can change a community. 

“We’re called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and the holiday season is a wonderful reminder of our commitment to this purpose. This calling is precisely why I created this Spirit of Christmas event. It’s an opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the Savior’s birth. 

“The event is open to all, but I want to personally invite those in need of good company or gifts for their family this Christmas. I understand how stressful the holidays can be if you’re in a precarious financial situation, therefore gifts are available for all ages. I hope you join us to celebrate the spirit of goodwill and generosity.”  

Any who wish to volunteer this Christmas will be deeply appreciated. For more information about the event or volunteering, you can call the office of House District 14 at (317)232-9987. Rep. Smith is also available at (219)887-2046. 

Smith announces performers for annual Harvest Feast

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) is hosting the annual Harvest Feast on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The event will take place at New Hope M.B. Church located at 2307 Rhode Island St. Gary, IN 46407. The Harvest Feast is held in honor of Smith’s mother, the late Rev. Julia E. Smith, and his aunt, Magnolia Allen, and includes a short religious service followed by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The event is free and open to the public.

Rep. Smith released the following statement regarding the entertainment lineup of the event: 

“This year’s Harvest Feast lineup is one for the books. We will feature New Hope Praise Team; Chienoo’s, a praise dancers’ group; the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Co; Stephan Henderson, a gospel vocalist; and Nathan Mason, a gospel vocalist; Debra Davis, a gospel vocalist and Rev. Bryan Davis, a gospel vocalist. I am truly excited to share these wonderful performers with the attendees of this event.

“I want to extend an invitation to all residents of the area to attend the Harvest Feast this Friday, Nov. 22. This free event is a celebration of God’s blessings and a continuation of my mother's legacy of service and worship. Whether you have nowhere to go for the holiday, are in need of a good meal, or simply looking for good company and a great time, you are welcome here.”  

Smith invites community to the annual Harvest Feast

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith is hosting the annual Harvest Feast on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The event will take place at New Hope Church located at 2307 Rhode Island St. Gary, IN 46407. The Harvest Feast includes a short religious service followed by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. 

“Every year, I hold the annual Harvest Feast to honor my mother, the late Reverend Julia Smith. Service to the community was one of the many values she instilled in me growing up. My mother started this tradition in Gary to bring people together to give thanks for the blessings of this life. I am proud to keep her legacy of service alive and praise her memory for all she did for the people of this city. 

“All are welcome to join me for this joyous celebration of the gifts granted to us by the Good Lord. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, give thanks, and give back. There will be a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner, worship, entertainment and good company.” 

IBLC shares teachers’ concerns over proposed high school diplomas

On June 5, the State Board of Education proposed new requirements for high school diplomas. Though the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) insists that the changes outlined in the proposal would offer more flexibility for students, teachers and legislators have raised concerns about the proposal. According to the IDOE, students could pursue one of two new degrees: the less-intensive GPS Diploma or the GPS Diploma Plus, which emphasizes a “high-quality work-based learning experience.” 

However, neither of these degrees provides students with the skills necessary for a successful transition into higher learning. Instead, these diplomas are made to funnel students directly into the job markets at the cost of important core classes in math, the arts, world languages and more. The IBLC echoes the concerns that have been shared by teachers and recognizes that in its current state, the proposed diplomas do not provide the academic rigor necessary to prepare Hoosier students to become well-rounded, academically curious adults.

“School is the time when children should be encouraged to broaden their perspectives and explore a diverse assortment of subjects, not only to help students discover their individual passions but to help shape them into capable adults,” IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) said.

“While college is not the only route to success, we still must give our students the tools and education necessary to succeed in higher education, if that is the path they choose to pursue. If these new diplomas go into effect, Indiana students may not meet the basic requirements to enroll in our state universities, and they will most certainly fall short of the requirements needed for out-of-state enrollment. The proposed high school diplomas require less of our students and would set up Hoosier children for failure.”

“As someone who has spent my entire career as an educator, the proposed changes to our high school diplomas are deeply troubling,” House Education Committee Ranking Democrat State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said.  

“It is important to ensure that our public schools prepare students for whatever path they choose to pursue after graduation but taking away the requirement for essential classes such as foreign languages, economics, fine arts and world history is not the way to achieve that goal. Our chronically underfunded public schools may be forced to cut these classes altogether if they are not required to offer them. This new system takes opportunities away from all Hoosier students and devalues Indiana's education.

“Our goal should be to foster curiosity and create life-long learners with open minds to the experiences around them. How do we expect a student to realize that they could have a real future as a translator or an economist if they are never exposed to those topics? As I always say, the mind is like a parachute: it doesn't work if it isn't open.” 

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed diplomas. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form here.