Campbell optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

“As the representative of West Lafayette, I’ve been proud of our community’s involvement in this issue. Purdue confirmed that the initial proposals did not meet their admission requirements. Future Purdue students must study foreign languages, the humanities and take multiple math classes. The more well-rounded the student, the more competitive they are in applications. After the Purdue news, our community was emboldened. Our professors, students, parents and teachers shared their concerns about the risks the initial draft posed to students' futures. 

“The SBOE and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) eliminated the GPS Diploma and GPS Diploma Plus, instead creating a single diploma with options for Honors, Employment and Enlistment seals. While I’m optimistic about the updates, I’m cautious about the seals and their implementation. The last stitch is the one that really has to hold tight. In other words, we need to examine the details and potential risks of the second draft to discover if this is the right move for Hoosier students. We still haven’t heard any updated plans regarding the external work requirements or our concerns about background checks, transportation, safety and potential liability. 

“I appreciate the IDOE for hosting a public comment period in which my constituents could provide feedback. As a mother, Purdue alumni and elected official, I believe it’s paramount that we give our students the best opportunities possible. I look forward to the next public comment period in the fall, and I encourage my community to stay engaged with this issue.”

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.

Campbell joins legislators from 48 states in a bipartisan call to end investor-state dispute settlements and protect state rights

Yesterday, on the first day of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual summit. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) joined more than 300 state legislators calling for the elimination of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) from all U.S. trade and investment agreements.

The bipartisan letter opposes trade deals “with investment chapters that provide greater substantive or procedural rights to foreign companies than U.S. companies enjoy under the U.S. Constitution.” Legislators emphasize that the ISDS in existing foreign trade agreements continues to threaten state initiatives in public health, clean energy, digital privacy and data security.

Rep. Campbell released the following statement regarding the letter:

“The ISDS allows foreign corporations to undermine the authority of our state. Foreign investment is certainly a positive for our community due to the high-wage jobs, development and infrastructure updates they promise. Sadly, outdated trade rules like the ISDS harm our local, homegrown businesses and our state’s initiatives.

“Foreign investors are given the upper hand since they can sue the state for damages. States aren’t awarded the same power. By fervently protecting foreign investments, the ISDS inhibits states from implementing reforms and legislative programs that harm foreign companies even if they’re in the public’s best interest. This letter is a call for action to protect our local businesses and American taxpayers.

“It’s time we eliminate this antiquated system and put America first always.”