State senators have revived a bill to create community-based schools focused on Native American cultural curriculum. The process included a series of unusual procedural moves.
Senate Bill 68 allows for community-based schools centered on the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings. The culturally-based content standards are designed to teach all grade levels about Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people. Supporters say a more culturally relevant education will help Native American students. Critics say these schools will divert funds from public schools in their district.
Senators debated the issue for about 40 minutes on Monday. At that point, Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack used a procedural move to end the debate and immediately take a vote.
The bill was voted down and then its prime sponsor, Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert, asked to have it reconsidered the next day. Heinert explains the unusual nature of Monday’s debate.
“A longstanding tradition is the prime sponsor always gets to close their bill. And I hold no malice to my good friend who made the motion. I don’t think he did it intentionally. But once that motion was made, it just stopped everything.”
Senators then voted 18 to 16 in favor of reviving the bill. That gave Heinert a chance to introduce an amendment addressing some of the funding concerns.
Then, Senator Reynold Nesiba invoked another procedural rule to delay further action on an amendment. That move is not open for debate.
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, who presides over state senate proceedings, decided on a two-day delay. Lawmakers will reconsider Senate Bill 68 on Friday.
