AR HB1011

Creates the "Arkansas Ethnic and Racial Equality Act" as a new subchapter of Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 16, establishing restrictions on instructional materials in public schools and open-enrollment charter schools related to race and ethnicity.

Prohibits curricula, reading materials, teachers' guides, computer programs, counseling, and activities from expressing, depicting, or teaching that any race or ethnicity is superior, inherently racist, should feel guilt or shame, should be blamed for societal problems, or that violence or overthrow of the U.S. government is justified for any race or ethnicity.

Prevents schools from teaching about race or ethnicity in a manner that inhibits fair and open discourse using reason as a guide for exchanging ideas and opposing points of view.

Grants parents and legal guardians the right to review all curricula, reading materials, teachers' guides, computer programs, counseling, and activities for their children; requires the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish curriculum guidelines, review processes, and complaint procedures.

Declares an emergency to allow schools to finalize necessary policies before the spring 2022 academic semester and summer 2022 professional development, with the act becoming effective upon gubernatorial approval or without approval after the veto period expires.